ILT biosecurity advisory lifted in Southwestern Ontario township of Wellesley

Ontario’s Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has officially ended the heightened biosecurity advisory for the Township of Wellesley in Southwestern Ontario, prompted by an infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) outbreak. Effective immediately, poultry farmers, small flock growers, and industry personnel in the Township of Wellesley are relieved from the stringent measures enforced since January 12th, 2024.

The ILT outbreak, a highly contagious respiratory virus primarily affecting chickens, led the FBCC, representing Ontario’s four feather boards, to issue a biosecurity advisory for a 10-kilometer area in the Township of Wellesley, situated in southwestern Ontario. Initially slated to remain in effect until early April 2024, the advisory aimed to mitigate the spread of the virus and safeguard poultry health in the region.

Symptoms of ILT in poultry include increased mortality rates, noisy breathing, head-shaking, decreased egg production, inactivity, ruffled feathers, and conjunctivitis. Timely detection and reporting of these symptoms are crucial in preventing further transmission within flocks.

Throughout the heightened biosecurity period, poultry farmers and industry workers were urged to strictly adhere to biosecurity protocols, including the use of orange cards indicating heightened biosecurity practices. These measures were implemented alongside ongoing recovery efforts for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the region.

Despite the lifting of the ILT biosecurity advisory, the FBCC underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance and adherence to biosecurity practices, particularly amidst the ongoing HPAI recovery efforts. Poultry farmers and industry personnel are reminded to remain vigilant and promptly report any signs of health concerns in their flocks.

For those who suspect ILT or any other health issues within their poultry flocks, immediate contact with both a veterinarian and the respective feather board representative is strongly advised.