Infectious Laryngotracheïtis (ILT) - Poultry Farming

Prevention and Control

Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a contagious respiratory disease of poultry, especially chickens. The disease can cause respiratory problems, reduced egg production and, in severe cases, mortality. The disease is most common in the rearing or laying period, but broilers can also contract it.

Although there is no treatment, good hygiene and vaccination can help prevent outbreaks. Read more tips to prevent Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT).

4 steps to prevent ILT

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What causes Infectious Laryngotracheïtis (ILT) in poultry?

ILT is caused by the Gallid herpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1), a herpesvirus that primarily affects the respiratory system of chickens. Once a bird is infected, it remains a lifelong carrier and can re-excrete the virus when under stress. As a result, one animal can infect an entire barn, unnoticed.

How Infectious Laryngotracheïtis (ILT) spreads

ILT spreads quickly through both direct and indirect transmission:

Direct contact with infected animals
Inhalation of infected dust or droplets
Contaminated materials such as feed troughs, boots and clothing
Visitors and staff
Animals that have recovered but re-excrete the virus

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What are the symptoms of Infectious Laryngotracheïtis (ILT)

Farmers should watch for these warning signs:

Swollen head
Shaking head (severe case)
Nasal discharge
Eye inflammation
Bloody mucus (severe case)

The 4 steps to prevent Infectious Laryngotracheïtis (ILT) at poultry farming

Since ILT has no cure, prevention is the best defense. Here’s how farmers can protect their flocks:

Step 1

Strengthen biosecurity measures

Allow only necessary people onto your farm. Have a strict protocol for cleaning and disinfecting all vehicles, tools and equipment entering the barn. Read more about external biosecurity

Step 2

Vaccination

Use approved ILT vaccines and follow the proper schedule. Store vaccines properly refrigerated and administer correctly for maximum protection.

Step 3

Maintain a clean and stress-free environment

By implementing a color system, materials (footwear, overalls, shovels, brooms, buckets, etc.) are separated by barn. This keeps the use materials in their own barn and prevents the dragging of germs.How to set-up a colour system

Step 4

Monitor and isolate sick birds

Start with a strict cleaning and disinfection protocol for poultry houses. A protocol helps prevent the introduction and spread of disease.How to clean and disinfect a poultry barn

Experts recommend

MS MegaDes Novo, the highly effective universal disinfectant is approved by the Dutch Ctgb for efficacy against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Experts recommend disinfecting with MS MegaDes Novo to help prevent outbreaks of Marek's disease or Infectious Laryngotracheïtis at poultry farms.

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