Infectious Laryngotracheitis

ILT is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Gallid herpesvirus 1. It primarily affects chickens, with varying severity from mild to severe forms, causing significant economic losses in poultry operations.

SYMPTOMS
CAUSES
PREVENTION
TREATMENT

Symptoms

  • Chickens:
    • Mild Form:
      • Watery eyes
      • Nasal discharge
      • Mild respiratory distress
      • Decreased egg production
      • Conjunctivitis
    • Severe Form:
      • Bloody mucus expulsion
      • Severe respiratory distress
      • Gasping with extended neck
      • High mortality (10-70%)
      • Coughing and choking
  • Note: Turkeys and waterfowl are rarely affected but can be carriers.

Causes and transmission

  • Viral Characteristics:
    • Herpesvirus
    • Can remain latent in recovered birds
    • Survives in tracheal tissue
  • Transmission Methods:
    • Direct bird-to-bird contact
    • Contaminated equipment
    • Airborne respiratory droplets
    • Recovered carrier birds
    • Contaminated personnel

Prevention strategies

  • Vaccination:
    • Live attenuated vaccines
    • Recombinant vaccines
    • Strategic vaccination timing
  • Biosecurity:
    • Strict access control
    • All-in-all-out production
    • Equipment sanitation
    • Personnel hygiene protocols
    • Isolation of new birds
  • Management:
    • Regular health monitoring
    • Proper ventilation
    • Stress reduction
    • Clean water supply

Treatment options

  • Direct Treatment:
    • No specific antiviral treatment
    • Focus on supportive care
  • Supportive Care:
    • Humidity control
    • Temperature management
    • Reduced poultry density
    • Good ventilation
    • Vitamin supplementation