Feline upper respiratory infections are a huge problem in most populations and groups of cats. These infections may weaken and compromise a catís health enough to produce life-threatening complications. In addition, upper respiratory infections (URIs) are extremely contagious, often rapidly sweeping through a household of cats as a result of casual exposure. The routes of transmission are via inhaled droplets of infectious mucus from sick sneezing cats, via mucus deposited on items such as food or water bowls, or via direct contact between sick and soon-to-be-sick cats. Fortunately, there are effective vaccines to help prevent and control this difficult problem.
Vaccines are designed to stimulate the recipient’s immune system against certain aspects of a specific disease-causing organism. Standard feline “annual” vaccines help protect against three-out-of-four URI organisms…Feline Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus), Calicivirus, and Chlamydia. The fourth URI organism is Bordetella bronchiseptica, against which, until very recently, there were no vaccines. Recent research has shown that the Bordetella bronchiseptica organism is responsible for a large number of feline upper respiratory infections. In one survey greater than 80% of cats tested positive for exposure to the Bordetella organism. This organism is similar, if not identical, to the Bordetella bronchiseptica that causes one form of “Kennel Cough” in dogs. Current research is not entirely clear if this organism is transmissible between dogs and cats, or vice versa. There have been some reports of the transmission of Bordetella bronchispetica to immuno-compromised human patients. In short, Bordetella is a very important organism that deserves to be part of an effective feline vaccination program.
Feline Bordetella may be effectively prevented through the use of an intranasal vaccine – the Protex-Bb vaccine – administered by a squirt of vaccine up the nose. This is very similar to the vaccination procedure for canine “Kennel Cough”. Just as with the canine Bordetella vaccine, the feline Bordetella vaccine is not appropriate for all patients in all situations. The Protex-Bb vaccine should only be used in cats that are at risk for URIs…cats from multi-cat households, cats that are exposed to other cats, indoor/outdoor cats, and/or cats from homes that foster or take in stray cats. In these patients, the vaccine is very safe and effective. The vaccine is protective within two days of administration. Currently, there are studies underway to determine the true effective duration of the Protex-Bb product. We are recommending annual re-vaccination with Protex-Bb for at-risk cats. High-risk cats may be vaccinated every six months for added security.
Feline upper respiratory disease is a tremendous health problem in the general cat population. Current vaccine technology allows for safe and effective disease prevention. Preventative medicine is always more effective and cost effective than treatment of the actual disease. Your veterinarian can help you determine what vaccine choices are appropriate for your feline friends.
Michael S. Samuels, D.V.M.
Central Animal Hospital
