Poultry Flash - Infectious Laryngotracheitis

Question 1

what animals are at risk for infectious laryngotracheitis? what signs are seen?

Answer 1

all chickens over 4 weeks of age

acute upper respiratory disease - neck extension during inspiration, gasping, coughing, conjunctivitis, periorbital swelling, blood stained mouth/beak, & tracheal exudate

Question 2

T/F: infectious laryngotracheitis is a reportable disease

Answer 2

true

Question 3

what is seen on necropsy of a chicken with infectious laryngotracheitis?

Answer 3

trachea - blood, mucus, & yellow caseous exudates, hollow caseous cast

conjunctivitis

Question 4

how is infectious laryngotracheitis diagnosed?

Answer 4

necropsy

histopath - intranuclear inclusion bodies

virus isolation via chick embryos

demonstration of viral antigen - PCR

serology

Question 5

how is infectious laryngotracheitis treated?

Answer 5

immediate vaccination during outbreak & supportive care

Question 6

how is infectious laryngotracheitis prevented?

Answer 6

vaccination in endemic areas & farm outbreaks

strict biosecurity & sanitation protocols

Question 7

how is infectious laryngotracheitis transmitted?

Answer 7

direct contact & fomites

Question 8

what is the most important vector of infectious laryngotracheitis?

Answer 8

clinically recovered birds serve as carriers

Question 9

what agent causes infectious laryngotracheitis?

Answer 9

alpha herpes virus

Question 10

what are 5 differentials for infectious laryngotracheitis?

Answer 10

1. adenovirus
2. aspergillosis
3. avian influenza
4. avian pox
5. infectious bronchitis