INFECTIOUS LARYNGOTRACHEITIS VIRUS

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Causative Agent(s)

Herpesvirus

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Acute, highly contagious, can cause rapid increases in mortality for chickens and pheasants. After recovery, some birds may be carriers for extended periods of time. Stress can reactivate the virus. Infection can also be spread mechanically.

Clinical signs of the acute form include oedema and enlargement of eyelids, acute respiratory distress, expectoration of bloody mucus, coughing, rales, and reduced productivity. The subacute from appear with lacrimation, tracheitis, conjunctivitis, mild rales, and reduced productivity.

Diagnostic Considerations

Virus isolation (tissue culture or chick embryos). PCR is available.

Management and Treatment

Keep  birds  quiet  and  lower  the  dust  level.  Use  mild  expectorants.

Vaccination with modified strains of low virulence applied to the conjunctiva are best. Can vaccinate adults during an outbreak to shorten the disease course.