Laryngotracheitis

Infectious laryngotracheitis disease is caused due to Herpes virus and birds of all age susceptible. Virus multiplication limited to respiratory tissues only. Presence of other organism, vitamin-A deficiency and excess ammonia severity of disease is more. There is a severe production loss due to high mortality and reduced egg production.

Transmission is via aerosols, birds, fomites, visitors, wild birds and vermin but it is not transmitted vertically.

Symptoms include severe respiratory distress wit marked coughing and discharge of mucus and blood stained and blood clots from mouth. Other symptoms include respiratory rales, gasping, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, cyanosis of comb and wattle.

Post mortem findings include hemorrhagic tracheitis, trachea is inflamed and contains blood cast or blood stained mucus to entire length. Upper part of trachea contains caseous exudate (obstructive plug).

Disease can be avoided by sound biosecurity measures (virus is sensitive to disinfectant) and vaccination. Antimicrobials are required to control the secondary bacterial infections. Measures to boost the immune system of the birds will hasten the recovery.