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Avian infectious laryngotracheitis.
T J Bagust1, R C Jones, J S Guy
1Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Summary
Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a persistent respiratory disease in chickens transmitted through infected birds and fomites. Effective control requires strict biosecurity and understanding flock infection status due to vaccine-induced latent infections and varied industry practices.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Virology
- Poultry Pathology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Avian infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) remains a global concern, causing sporadic respiratory disease outbreaks in chickens.
- Transmission occurs via acutely infected birds, latently infected carriers, and fomites, with the virus persisting for extended periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the transmission dynamics and control challenges of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) in the global poultry industry.
- To highlight the importance of biosecurity and accurate infection status knowledge in managing ILT outbreaks.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ILT transmission routes and persistence.
- Analysis of ILT control strategies, including vaccination and biosecurity measures.
- Examination of factors contributing to sporadic outbreaks in intensive poultry populations.
Main Results:
- Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) exhibits multiple transmission pathways, including latent carriers and fomites, with prolonged environmental survival.
- Current modified live vaccines can induce latent infections and spread between birds, complicating disease control.
- Varied regional control practices and the nature of ILTV reservoirs contribute to unpredictable outbreaks.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous site biosecurity is paramount for controlling infectious laryngotracheitis.
- Accurate assessment of ILT infection status in donor and recipient flocks is essential for trade-related movements.
- Integrated control strategies addressing transmission, vaccination, and biosecurity are needed to mitigate ILT impacts on the poultry industry.