Disease Alert: Infectious Laryngotracheitis

The Ontario poultry industry has been dealing with an outbreak of Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) since early November 2004. Six cases have been reported: five in broiler flocks in the Niagara Region and one in a Waterloo Region layer flock. OMAFRA has been working with the Chicken Farmers of Ontario and the Ontario Egg Marketing Board in the investigation of these cases.

It has been more than 4 weeks (two incubation periods of the virus) since the last reported case. The risk of continued spread of the virus is therefore considered to be low. However, vigilance should be maintained in the Niagara affected zone until the end of January. This is to allow for the possible spread during the cleanout procedure of the last infected premises.

Diseases such as ILT are a constant threat to the Ontario poultry and livestock industries. It is important to limit their spread before they are detected. Many of the biosecurity procedures implemented during this outbreak should be followed on a regular basis as a minimum standard. Clients should be advised on proper biosecurity measures for their operation, including the disposal of mortalities and manure.

OMAFRA will continue funding diagnostic testing for ILT suspects at the Animal Health Laboratory until Jan 31, 2005, as part of the enhanced surveillance announced in December.

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