|
The seroprevalence rate gives an estimate of the proportion of cats that have been infected
with Bordetella bronchiseptica at some stage of their life. Prevalence studies suggest that Bordetella
bronchiseptica (Bb) infection is widespread with seroprevalence ranging from 24%
(Hoskins et al 1998) to 87%
(McArdle et al 1994) depending on the
population being studied. Highest rates of exposure are seen in multicat households and
rescue catteries (83-87%). However, in private households containing 1-3 cats almost one in
three cats sampled were seropositive. 
A serological survey carried out in Holland
(Bergman et al 1997)
compared 50 cats from households with more than 3 cats. Twenty five cats had a history of
respiratory disease and of these 52% were seropositive for Bb. A further 25
cats had no history of respiratory disease and of these 20% were seropositive.
    
|