Bordetella in
Squirrels
Some
rehabilitators
in Northern
California have
reported that
some squirrels
in
rehabilitation
died rapidly and
unexpectedly
during the past
two months with
few symptoms and
no obvious or
common causes
such as trauma
or aspiration.
Recent
suspicions that
Bordetella might
be responsible
for some of
these deaths
were confirmed
by lab tests,
but more tests
are needed
because other
conditions also
should be
considered. This
info sheet was
prepared so that
Bordetella might
be considered a
possibility when
rehabilitators
notice potential
contagious
squirrel
respiratory
conditions and
discuss the
cases with their
veterinarian.
Bordetella
bronchiseptica
is a
gram-negative
bacterium,
commonly found
in the
respiratory
system. In its
non-pathogenic
form, it is part
of the normal
respiratory
flora. Its
virulent or
disease- causing
form can be
activated by
concurrent
disease, or by
the presence of
stressors such
as overcrowding,
transportation,
poor ventilation
and other
factors.
Bordetella is a
highly
contagious
bacterium to
many animals,
sometimes across
species (but not
currently
described as
zoonotic).
A sample of the
symptoms
described by
squirrel
rehabilitators
with these
recent sick
animals in care
include:
- Rapid
onset of
symptoms.
- Lethargy
and
weakness.
- Often
refuse to
eat and/or
fight
attempts to
feed.
- Profuse,
frequent
urination,
sometimes
involuntary.
(Note that
while
profuse
urination
often is
described in
the current
cases, it is
not a common
Bordetella
symptom in
most species
and may be a
secondary
condition or
another
disease.)
- Rapid
and
significant
dehydration
and weight
loss, likely
due to
profuse
urination
and
difficulty
eating.
- Moderate
fever.
- A
variety of
respiratory
conditions,
which can
include
sneezing,
audible
breathing
and gagging
or coughing.
Although
respiration
difficulties
are not
uncommon
with
juvenile
squirrels
that might
have
aspirated,
the profuse
urination
that has
often
preceded the
respiratory
symptoms has
been very
different.
Antibiotics,
particularly
Bactrim (e.g.,
TMP, SMZ), have
been effective
with Bordetella
in rodents when
used for 14-21
days. Supportive
care also is
essential, such
as limiting
activity by
keeping in a
small cage,
providing
supplemental
heat, ensuring
good nutrition,
and minimizing
stressors such
as noise. Use
effective
hydration
protocols with
isotonic fluids
to avoid
dehydration. Due
to its highly
contagious
nature, follow
strict
quarantine and
sanitation
protocols. Some
rehabilitators
also have used
homeopathy and
reported
positive
results,
especially with
the homeopathic
remedy
Phosphorus. As
always, consult
closely with a
veterinarian on
diagnostics and
treatments.
More information
will be
available
shortly in a
resource handout
at CCWR.org.
There is also an
article on
Bordetella in
Young Rabbits
and Squirrels in
the NWRA
Bulletin. Volume
24, Fall/Winter,
2006.
Authors
Shirley Casey,
WildAgain
Wildlife
Rehabilitation,
Inc. in
Evergreen, CO is
co-author of the
Squirrel
Rehabilitation
Handbook. She
has published
and presented
widely on
wildlife rehab
topics.
ewildagain@aol.com
Mackenzie
Goldthwait, DVM
of Denver,
Colorado,
graduated from
Tufts University
School of
Veterinary
Medicine in
1989, with
special interest
in wildlife
medicine. She
has extensive
experience with
wildlife,
exotics and
small animals.
She has been
involved in
writing for and
training
rehabilitators.
© 2007 Shirley
Casey and
Mackenzie
Goldthwait, DVM
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