Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory disease of chickens (of all types), caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 (GaHV-1), a member of the genus Iltovirus (family: Herpesviridae). ILT is extremely contagious and may spread easily by contaminated equipment, people, litter, and other fomites. ILTV can be transmitted horizontally through the respiratory, conjunctival or to a lesser extent oral routes. The disease chiefly affects the conjunctiva and tracheal mucosa resulting in inflammation, serous or mucous discharge, haemorrhagic in severe cases, coughing and dyspnea associated with tracheal necrotic plugs, accompanied by decreased egg production and/or weight gain. The disease has variable morbidity (up to 90%) and mortality (up to 70%) rates, depending on the virulence of the circulating strains.
Live vaccines are used commonly. The control of the disease hinges on vaccination and biosecurity. Field isolates and vaccine viruses can establish latent infected carriers.