Bordetella is a cofactor in a wide range of bacterial and viral respiratory infections. In swine, B. bronchiseptica can be an important early life pathogen and a contributor to porcine respiratory disease complex. Ubiquitous on farms, it is often passed from sow to piglet in the farrowing environment, causing infection as early as day three.
New research published in Veterinary Microbiology explains a vertical transmission model that better reflects real-world exposure dynamics. It allows for assessment of vaccination in the face of maternal immunity, helps evaluate management practices, therapeutics and vaccines.
Transmission timing from the study highlights the opportunity to block toxin-producing B. bronchiseptica before it colonizes in piglets’ nasal cilia.*
Source: Veterinary Microbiology, April 2026. Link. “B. bronchiseptica has been shown to exacerbate viral respiratory infections, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine respiratory corona virus (PRCV), and swine influenza virus. B. bronchiseptica has also been shown to enhance colonization and disease with bacterial pathogens found in the respiratory tract, including Glaesserella parasuis, Streptococcus suis, and Pasteurella multocida.”
Sponsor Content from Addison Biological Laboratory
*B. bronchiseptica transferred to piglets produces a toxin that damages the cilia lining the nasal passages, lowering their ability to clear dirt, dust and bacteria. Early intervention with an intranasal vaccine such as MAXI/GUARD® Nasal Vac® fills the adhesion sites on the ciliated epithelium before the pathogenic B. bronchiseptica can attach and colonize neonatal pigs.
