ILT biosecurity advisory issued for Innisfil, Ont.

The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has issued an infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) biosecurity advisory for a 10 km area in the Town of Innisfil, Ont.

The organization anticipates this advisory to remain in place until late June.

FBCC has been alerted that poultry originating from a small flock have tested positive for ILT.

As a result, it’s urging anyone working with any poultry or other avian species or traveling through this area to reinforce their biosecurity protocols.

ILT is a serious contagious disease caused by a respiratory virus and is seen primarily in chickens.

Signs to watch out for include increased mortality, noisy breathing, head-shaking, off feed, decreased egg production, inactivity, ruffled feathers and conjunctivitis.

Should you suspect any signs of health concerns in your flock, FBCC says to contact your veterinarian as well as your board representative.

Tips for producers

FBCC is also advising farmers to:

• Avoid all contact with non-commercial poultry and all other birds;
• Reinforce your biosecurity protocols by limiting farm visitors to providers of critical services only;
• Monitor the movement of birds, people and equipment on to and off of your premises;
• Enforce strict biosecurity practices, minimize visits to other poultry production sites, avoid exchanging equipment with other poultry production sites or ensure that it is washed and disinfected;
• Ensure all personnel in contact with birds or who enter the production sites wear clean boots, protective suits, head coverings and gloves and that they practice proper cleaning and disinfection before and after visiting including handwashing; and
• Ensure adequate control of vermin and wild birds.

FBCC also reminds producers that since highly pathogenic avian influenza is still prevalent in the province, heightened biosecurity protocols should be in place at all poultry farms.

Biosecurity information for small flock growers is available from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

For necessary visits

If you are providing service to poultry farmers in this area, please minimize and properly sequence any necessary travel in the area.

For essential visits to premises where poultry is grown, apply the following recommended biosecurity measures: wearing clean boots, protective suits, hats and gloves/hand washing.

All deliveries or loading in this Advisory Area should be last on the route.

Wash and disinfect the vehicle’s undercarriage and steps before proceeding with any other delivery/loading.

Where possible, after being in the area, please avoid going to another farm outside the area within 12 hours.

Any updates will be issued through www.fbcc.ca.