Epizootiology of infectious laryngotracheitis and presentation of an industry control program

Despite improved biosecurity and vaccination programs in recent years, infectious laryngotracheitis continues to emerge in the field on a regular basis in poultry producing states. Evidence is mounting that most field outbreaks are caused by viruses indistinguishable from chicken-embryo-origin vaccine strains and, for that reason, broiler outbreaks are often referred to in the field as "vaccinal laryngotracheitis" (VLT). Cooperative industry programs are described, in which the poultry industry, along with government, laboratories, and other sectors involved with poultry live production work together to control and contain VLT outbreaks. These programs take into account many epizootiologic aspects of the disease and, when diligently followed, are successful in most instances at keeping the numbers of cases low and the outbreaks under control. The programs include the rapid diagnosis of the disease, the use of geographic information system technology, biosecurity, vaccination, and communications between all stakeholders.