ILT biosecurity advisory issued for Belleville

Belleville, Ont. – The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has issued a biosecurity advisory for Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) in a 10 km area of the City of Belleville. This advisory is expected to remain in effect until late August 2024.

The advisory follows the detection of ILT in a small poultry flock. All poultry handlers and anyone traveling through this area are urged to reinforce their biosecurity protocols to prevent the spread of the disease.

ILT is a highly contagious respiratory virus primarily affecting chickens. Key symptoms include increased mortality, noisy breathing, head-shaking, off-feed behavior, decreased egg production, inactivity, ruffled feathers, and conjunctivitis. Farmers noticing any of these symptoms in their flocks should immediately contact their veterinarian and board representative.

To mitigate the risk of ILT, farmers should avoid all contact with non-commercial poultry and other birds. Reinforcing biosecurity protocols by limiting farm visitors to essential service providers only is crucial. Monitoring and controlling the movement of birds, people, and equipment on and off the premises, enforcing stringent biosecurity practices, and minimizing visits to other poultry production sites are also recommended.

Farmers should avoid sharing equipment with other farms or ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection if sharing is necessary. All personnel must wear clean boots, protective suits, head coverings, and gloves, and practice proper disinfection and handwashing protocols. Strict control over vermin and wild birds should be maintained.

Small flock growers can find specific resources at SmallFlockOntario.ca.

With highly pathogenic avian influenza still present in the environment, it is crucial to maintain heightened biosecurity protocols on all poultry farms.

Service providers to poultry farms in the advisory area should minimize travel and adhere to proper biosecurity measures, including clean boots, protective suits, hats, gloves, and thorough handwashing. Essential visits should be scheduled last on the route, and vehicles must be washed and disinfected before any other deliveries or loadings. After visiting the advisory area, avoid going to another farm outside the area for at least 12 hours.

For ongoing updates, visit www.fbcc.ca.