New Small Dose Oral Bordetella Vaccine Receives USDA Approval

Canine infectious respiratory disease complex, often referred to as kennel cough, remains a common concern in veterinary practice, particularly for dogs that frequent boarding facilities, daycare settings, grooming salons, and group training environments. Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the primary bacterial pathogens associated with this syndrome and vaccination continues to be a key component of prevention strategies.

In January 2026, Elanco Animal Health announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved TruCan Ultra B Oral, a new oral Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine for dogs. The product represents a line extension of Elanco’s existing oral Bordetella vaccine and is the first USDA licensed oral Bordetella vaccine formulated at a half milliliter volume.

What Is New With TruCan Ultra B Oral

TruCan Ultra B Oral is designed to deliver protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica using a reduced administration volume compared to previous oral formulations. According to Elanco, the vaccine uses PureFil Technology, a filtration process intended to remove unwanted proteins and debris during manufacturing.

The company reports that the vaccine demonstrated safety and efficacy through both controlled challenge studies and a field safety study involving client owned dogs. Dogs in the field study ranged from four weeks to fifteen years of age and represented a variety of breeds and lifestyles.

In a controlled challenge study referenced by Elanco, the vaccine showed a reported preventable fraction of ninety three percent for cough associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Bordetella and CIRDC in Clinical Practice

Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of several pathogens involved in canine infectious respiratory disease complex. Clinical signs commonly include coughing, nasal discharge, and upper respiratory irritation, though severity can vary based on age, immune status, exposure level, and the presence of co infections.

Vaccination protocols for Bordetella differ by practice and patient risk factors. Intranasal, oral, and injectable options are available, each with advantages and limitations related to onset of immunity, administration method, and patient tolerance.

Oral Bordetella vaccines are often selected for dogs that are sensitive to intranasal administration or for practices seeking lower stress vaccination options. Reduced volume formulations may also be of interest in clinics focused on patient comfort and handling efficiency.

Safety and Patient Experience Considerations

Elanco reports that TruCan Ultra B Oral was evaluated in a real world field safety study that included dogs across a wide age range. The company states that the vaccine was well tolerated in the study population.

Interest in patient comfort during veterinary visits has increased in recent years, particularly around vaccination experiences. Surveys cited by Elanco suggest that pet owners increasingly value vaccines designed with lower volumes and purification processes aimed at reducing adverse reactions, although individual practice priorities and client expectations vary.

The vaccine has also received a recommendation from Fear Free, an organization focused on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary settings. Fear Free endorsements are based on criteria related to handling and patient experience rather than clinical superiority.

How This Fits Into the Broader Vaccine Landscape

TruCan Ultra B Oral is the second recent addition to Elanco’s Tru vaccine line, following USDA approval of TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2 H3N8 in mid 2025. The Tru vaccine portfolio includes products designed with an emphasis on filtration and reduced volume formulations.

As with all vaccines, selection and use should be guided by individual patient risk, lifestyle factors, local disease prevalence, and veterinarian judgment. No single vaccine is appropriate for every patient, and Bordetella prevention strategies often include a combination of vaccination, environmental management, and client education.

Availability

According to Elanco, TruCan Ultra B Oral is expected to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2026. Additional information regarding the product has been made available by the manufacturer, though independent post launch data will ultimately inform how the vaccine performs across a wider range of practice settings.

Looking Ahead

Advances in vaccine formulation and delivery continue to shape how veterinarians approach infectious disease prevention. Reduced volume oral vaccines may offer another option for practices seeking flexibility in Bordetella vaccination protocols, particularly for dogs where minimizing stress is a priority.

As with any new product, ongoing evaluation in clinical settings will help determine its role alongside existing Bordetella vaccination options. For veterinary teams, staying informed about emerging tools allows for thoughtful, evidence based discussions with clients and individualized care for patients.