Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT): The Respiratory Nightmare in Poultry
Introduction Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a viral respiratory infection of chickens caused by the Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 . The infection is characterized by severe breathing difficulties in infected birds. For poultry stakeholders, the outbreak of this disease in a farm means not only the death of birds but also the contamination of the environment. Transmission and Latency The mode of transmission of the virus: The virus is spread through respiratory secretions/droplets. The "Carrier" Problem: One of the most unique features of this virus is that recovered birds can act as subclinical carriers . The virus remains "hidden" in the nervous system of recovered birds. During stressful periods, the virus re-emerges in these birds, infecting other healthy flocks of birds. The "Pump-Handle" Breathing: The most evident signs of the infection: Gasping & Dyspnea: The infected birds stretch their necks forward and upward to take in air. Blood-S...