Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for TruCan Ultra B (Oral), a next-generation oral vaccine designed to protect dogs against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a key cause of canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), commonly known as kennel cough.

The newly approved vaccine builds on Elanco’s TruCan B Oral, the first oral Bordetella vaccine to reach the market, by delivering the same level of protection in half the dose volume. Manufactured using PureFil Technology, TruCan Ultra B (Oral) removes unwanted proteins and debris, helping reduce adverse reactions and improve overall comfort during vaccination.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a leading contributor to kennel cough, a contagious respiratory condition that causes persistent coughing and other respiratory symptoms in dogs. As expectations around pet care evolve, vaccination comfort has become increasingly important. Studies indicate that 99 percent of pet owners value the use of highly purified, lower-volume vaccines that reduce stress and discomfort during veterinary visits. TruCan Ultra B (Oral) is designed to meet these expectations while maintaining strong clinical effectiveness.

The vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile in field studies involving client-owned dogs ranging in age from four weeks to 15 years, across diverse breeds and health backgrounds. In controlled challenge studies, TruCan Ultra B (Oral) achieved a 93 percent preventable fraction, showing strong protection against Bordetella-associated coughing.

Commenting on the approval, Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation at Elanco, said the product reinforces the company’s focus on improving the vaccination experience in veterinary clinics. He added that the approval strengthens Elanco’s respiratory vaccine portfolio and reflects continued innovation aimed at supporting both pets and veterinary teams.

This approval follows another recent expansion of the Tru vaccine line, with TruCan Ultra CIV H3N2/H3N8 receiving USDA clearance in July 2025. Notably, Elanco’s Tru vaccines are the first vaccine portfolio recommended by Fear Free, an organization dedicated to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets during clinical care.

Dr. Marty Becker, founder of Fear Free, highlighted the importance of minimizing stress during vaccinations and expressed confidence that TruCan Ultra B (Oral) will positively impact the in-clinic experience for dogs.

Elanco expects TruCan Ultra B (Oral) to be commercially available in the first quarter of 2026.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated is a global animal health company focused on developing products and services that prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, while supporting veterinarians, pet owners, and the broader animal health ecosystem.