ILT detected in small Hamilton flock

The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has issued a biosecurity advisory for a 10-kilometer area in the City of Hamilton following the detection of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in poultry. With the outbreak expected to persist until late May 2024, stringent biosecurity measures are urged across the region.

FBCC’s announcement comes on the heels of confirmed cases of ILT originating from a small poultry flock. ILT, a highly contagious respiratory disease primarily affecting chickens, poses a significant threat to poultry populations. Symptoms include increased mortality rates, respiratory distress, decreased egg production, and other indicators of ill health.

Farmers and poultry workers are urged to heighten biosecurity protocols, including limiting farm access, monitoring bird movement, and enforcing strict hygiene practices. Additionally, precautions against the spread of ILT and other diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, are paramount.

Small flock growers can find specific resources and guidance on SmallFlockOntario.ca to safeguard their flocks. Furthermore, individuals providing essential services to poultry farmers in the affected area are advised to minimize travel and adhere to meticulous biosecurity measures.

Updates on the ILT outbreak and biosecurity advisories will be disseminated through www.fbcc.ca, ensuring prompt communication and action within the poultry industry. As the threat of ILT looms, collective vigilance and proactive measures are essential to mitigate its impact on Hamilton’s poultry community.