Information on ILT

At our Chickens 101, a local veterinarian spoke about steps for keeping hens healthy. Here is a little more information about a condition that hens can sometimes get. 

ILT or Infectious Laryngotracheitis is a provincially reportable disease.  The disease is caused by a herpes virus and results in upper respiratory signs.  More information on the disease can be found here:

http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex2216

The recommended vaccine for ILT is of tissue culture origin and is available through a poultry services company in Airdrie via your veterinarian. 

The decision whether to vaccinate or not should be made in consultation with your veterinarian and will depend on a number of factors including whether you will be showing/travelling with your birds, how many people will be exposed to your birds etc..