Infectious Laryngotracheitis in a Hobby Native Chicken Farm
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Date
2020-02
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Abstract
Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an upper respiratory tract disease of chickens caused by infectious
laryngotracheitis virus(ILTV, Gallid herpesvirus 1), a member of the Alphaherpesvirinae sub-family (genus
Iltovirus). A backyard holding basically as a hobby venture experienced sudden mortality of birds on the 3rd
day in a newly purchased flock of 56 birds from rural areas/villages of Tiruvannamalai region. The mortality
gradually spread to the resident flock with a stock of about 300 birds which were apparently normal and a
good weight gain. On inspecting the farm, it was under category I farm (Village or backyard production)
based on the volume of operation and level of biosecurity in the farmas per FAO classification. The birds were
reared in deep litter floor, semi intensive system with less shade cover and improper ventilation in isolation
shedsof infected birds. Clinically, the birds were fair in body condition, showed signs of dullness, weakness,
retraction / drooping of the head and wings, closed eyes, mild conjunctivitis, mildly swollen head and cyanosis
of the comb before death. The salient necropsy findings were conjunctivitis, sinusitis, severe laryngotracheitis
with necro hemorrhagic mucosa, ulceration and occlusive pseudomembrane with seromucoid discharge in
the trachea, serofibrinous peritonitis and cheesy material in the infraorbital sinus. Molecular screening for
bacterial and viral pathogens revealed the presence of E.coli in the sinus and ovary swab. ILT was detected by
PCR. Antibiogram revealed sensitivity to Cefotaxime, Intermediate sensitivity to Gentamicin, Sulphadmidine,
Amoxyclav and resistance to Tetracycline. Histopathologically the tracheal mucosa and submucosa were
diffusely irregular and thickened with multifocal erosion and ulceration. The tracheal mucosa was adhered by
an extensive fibrino - necrotic membrane with an inflammatory infiltrate and within the mucosa, respiratory
epithelial cells fused and revealed viral syncytial cell nuclei with round eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion
body with a clear halo suggestive of ILT disease which was confirmed by PCR. This investigation documents
the probable presence of ILT virus in a latent state in respiratory tissues in village chickens which may be
reactivated by stressors such as transport or re-housingwith unfamiliar birds as in this case and warrants the
need of biosecurity assessment and study of seroprevalence of respiratory diseases in village chicken flocks.
Description
TNV_20thMVC_PP_Feb-2020_OP64
Keywords
Veterinary Science