This report was from a breeding cattery in the Netherlands which breeds pedigree Maine Coon and
Birman cats. Despite yearly routine vaccination with a commercial vaccine against Feline Herpes
Virus (FHV), Feline Calici Virus (FCV) and Infectious Enteritis respiratory disease was a
continuing problem. Both kittens and adult cats were affected. Adults showed signs of sneezing
and snotty nasal discharge. Some adult cats appeared to be more affected than others with those
in heat apparently most susceptible. Adults housed in outside pens also appeared less affected
than those housed indoors. Kittens appeared to suffer from more severe problems including
sneezing, severe snotty ocular and nasal discharge, lethargy and unwillingness to eat. At one
time almost all kittens appeared to be affected. Eventually, a diagnosis of
Bordetella bronchiseptica was made. A vaccine was unavailable at the time that the
problems occurred. Therefore, only through intensive antibiotic therapy and the investment of
considerable amount of time in nursing and maintenance of strict hygiene was the owner able to
prevent extensive kitten mortality.