Bordetalla outbreak -- PHILLY AREA!

[janiemcm]

we've just had a bordetella outbreak in the Phila. area. had 38 squirrels, and eventually lost about 12-15 to the disease. they started with congestion - sometimes very thick/heavy congestion - other times just sneezy and coughing. then it would quickly go to the lungs - they could barely breathe, so would have to be put down. this was all within about 2 days! Baytril didn't do a thing to help. neither did Cipro. Orbax helped a bit. By then it was discovered that we were dealing with bordetalla. Doxycycline and Tribrissen were used to treat the remaining squirrels. it seemed to clear up the ones who had been infected if they weren't too far gone. Very contagious and airborne. horrible combination!

[Rhapsody]

My Thoughts are with You and the Squirrels

[island rehabber]

janiemcm, thank you VERY much for this alert and for the info on correct meds to dose for bordatella. I edited your title because we do have a number of members in the Philly area (give or take an hour or so) and they should be alerted to this and make sure they have Doxy and/or Tribrissen on hand just in case.

[solarx10]

Wait..what?
oh no...

I don't know what this is, I'll have to look it up.

Where exactly was this, I'm the Philly area.

[janiemcm]

I'm in Chester County - about an hour west of the city. we had one squirrel necropsied at the New Bolton Center (Univ. of Penn Vet hospital). they confirmed the bordatella. they are now working on finding out if there is a better med other than the doxy/trib combination.

thanks, Rhapsody. it was (and still is) an emotionally draining experience!! heartbreaking.

-Janie