USDA approves an oral vaccination protecting against Bordetella bronchiseptica

Elanco Animal Health announced the USDA approved TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), an oral vaccine to protect canine patients from Bordetella bronchiseptica. This latest approval builds on Elanco’s TruCan B Oral, the first oral vaccine protecting dogs from Bordetella to hit the market; however, TruCan Ultra B provides the same protection in half the volume. According to the release, Tru vaccines remove unwanted protein and debris to reduce adverse reactions and improve patient comfort.¹

Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the leading causes of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), also known as kennel cough. CIRDC can lead to coughing and other respiratory signs in exposed dogs. According to the organizational release, research shows that expectations for the pet vaccination experience are evolving.

“We are committed to improving the in-clinic vaccination experience for pets,” said Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US pet health and global digital transformation at Elanco, in an organizational release.¹

“USDA approval of TruCan Ultra B (Oral) strengthens our respiratory vaccine portfolio and demonstrates how Elanco is going beyond to develop innovative solutions that support better experiences for dogs and the veterinary teams who care for them,” he continued.

RELATED: USDA approves canine influenza vaccination²

In a field study, TruCan Ultra B (Oral) was proven safe. The study represented client-owned dogs ranging from 4 weeks to 15 years old. Elanco also conducted a challenge study that demonstrated significant protection against coughing associated with Bordetella bronchiseptica.

“Reducing fear and anxiety during the pet vaccination experience is a critical part of our goal at Fear Free,” said Marty Becker, DVM, founder of Fear Free—of which Elanco is a corporate sponsor—in an organizational release. “I look forward to seeing the positive impact TruCan Ultra B (Oral) has on the in-clinic vaccination experience for dogs.”

TruCan Ultra B (Oral) is the second expansion of Elanco’s vaccine line, which is the first vaccine portfolio to be recommended by Fear Free, following the USDA approval of TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 in July 2025.³

TruCan Ultra B (Oral) is expected to launch in Q1 2026.

Release

1. Elanco Advances Canine Infectious Disease Innovation with USDA Approval of TruCan™ Ultra B (Oral), a ½ mL Bordetella bronchiseptica Vaccine for Dogs. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. January 15, 2026. Accessed January 27, 2026.
2. McCafferty C. USDA approves canine influenza vaccination. dvm360. July 10, 2025. Accessed January 17, 2026.
3. Elanco Receives USDA Approval for TruCan™ Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 (Canine Influenza Vaccine) Bringing to Market a High Standard of Respiratory Protection. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. July 9, 2025. Accessed January 17, 2026. https://www.elanco.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/elanco-receives-usda-approval-for-trucantm-ultra-civ-h3n2-h3n8-canine-influenza-vaccine-bringing-to-market-a-high-standard-of-respiratory-protection