Western
Meeting of Poultry
Clinicians and Pathologists
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Clinicians and Pathologists
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1994 Laryngotracheitis in Ontario Broiler Chickens Bob Goodhope Department of Veterinary Pathology, WCVM University of Saskatchewan
In the spring of 1994, infectious laryngotraceitis (ILT) was diagnosed on a number of commercial broiler chicken farms in the Niagara Peninsula region of Ontario. Two case histories were presented contrasting a cautious grower to a reckless grower. An update of the outbreak was given and subject to consider when confronted with outbreaks of ILT in the future.
1. Cautious Grower Urgent Presentation -13,000, 5 wk. Roasters, crowing strangely -mortality increased 0.15% to 2.5% in a day - bottom floor only in two-story barn On farm postmortem - acute death, tracheal hemorrhage - tentative Dx - ILT Slaughtered ASAP - excellent cleaning and disinfection ILT confirmed, VSL, U of G Source unknown, no spread
2. Reckless Grower Afterthought presentation - 3 barns in production, marketed pullet flock 1 wk. earlier with high mortality, 2 barns of 11,000 roasters left - 6 wk. Roasters, over 10% mortality in last 3 days! On farm postmortem - lesions less obvious - sample sent to VSL, U of G ILT confirmed History of neighboring growers - gossip, rumor, no warning - facts; broiler mortality problems, suspect Newcastle disease, Ag Canada negative results, VSL, U of G confirmed ILT. Communication of info slow. Outcome - ILT outbreak in neighboring premises continued through summer
Outbreak Update (to October 1994) Twenty-two confirmed ILT infected flocks in the Niagara region. Temporal distribution indicated association with prevailing winds, proximity of barns and socializing of farm managers. There was spread to one other area of Ontario, but was quickly contained.
Considerations: 1. Biosecurity a. Dead bird disposal b. Cleaning and Disinfection (C&D), manure piles, etc. c. Role of catching crews? 2. Role of vaccination in outbreak? 3. Cooperation and communication among all participants d. Educate growers i. Early reporting of unexplained mortality ii. Importance of proper C&D, vaccination, biosecurity e. Courtesy to neighboring growers f. Veterinarians (government/private/industry) |
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