¹Intervet International BV, PO Box 31, 5830AA Boxmeer, The Netherlands
²Intervet Inc, 405 State Street, P.O. Box 318, Milsboro, DE 19966, USA

A novel intranasal vaccine protects cats against challenge by Bordetella bronchiseptica infection within 72 hours of administration..
Proceedings of the BSAVA Congress 2002 591

Abstract:
Studies have shown that Bordetella bronchiseptica is widespread in the feline population and is associated with URTD particularly in cats from catteries and rescue shelters. The aim of this study was to ascertain if inoculation with a novel intranasal vaccine could induce immunity within 72 hours, useful in the face of an outbreak or in the event of cats requiring boarding in a cattery. Twenty one kittens of 8 weeks of age were vaccinated with 106.3 CFU of B. bronchiseptica strain B-C2 (Nobivac^® Bb for cats, Intervet) by the intranasal route. All of the vaccinates and a further 11 unvaccinated control kittens were then challenged with 107.5 CFU virulent B. bronchiseptica 72 hours post-vaccination. The kittens were observed for up to 14 days for the development of clinical signs. Mean clinical scores in cats vaccinated 72 hours before challenge were reduced by 79% compared to the control cats (p ≤ 0.0001). These results show that a single vaccination with an intranasal vaccine can protect cats against B. bronchiseptica infection as early as 72 hours after vaccination. This rapid onset of immunity will be particularly valuable in the face of an outbreak or prior to boarding.

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