ILTV Biosecurity Advisory Issued for Malahide and Aylmer Areas
The Feather Board Command Centre (FBCC) has issued a critical biosecurity advisory concerning Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) within a 10 km radius surrounding the Township of Malahide and the Town of Aylmer. This advisory follows reports of poultry from a small flock that have tested positive for ILT.
Understanding Infectious Laryngotracheitis
Infectious Laryngotracheitis is a highly contagious disease primarily affecting chickens, caused by a respiratory virus. Symptoms to monitor include:
- Increased mortality rates
- Noisy breathing
- Head-shaking
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced egg production
- Inactivity
- Ruffled feathers
- Conjunctivitis
If you notice any signs of illness in your flock, it is imperative to contact your veterinarian and board representative immediately.
Essential Biosecurity Measures
To mitigate the spread of ILT, the FBCC urges all poultry farmers to reinforce their biosecurity protocols. Here are key recommendations:
- Avoid contact with non-commercial poultry and other bird species.
- Limit visitor access to only essential services.
- Monitor the movement of birds, people, and equipment on and off your premises.
- Practice strict biosecurity measures, including:
- Wearing clean boots, protective suits, hats, and gloves.
- Maintaining proper cleansing and disinfection protocols.
- Washing hands before and after visits.
- Control vermin and wild bird populations effectively.
Additional resources tailored for small flock growers can be accessed at SmallFlockOntario.ca.
Heightened Awareness Needed
With the ongoing threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza, it is essential that heightened biosecurity measures be adopted across all poultry farms. For those providing services within the advisory area, it is vital to minimize and strategically sequence travels.
Recommended Protocols for Service Providers
During critical visits to poultry farms in the advisory area, service providers should adhere to the following measures:
- Wear clean boots, protective clothing, and gloves.
- Prioritize deliveries or loading within the advisory area toward the end of your route.
- Ensure that vehicles are washed and disinfected, particularly the undercarriage and steps, after being in the advisory area.
- Avoid visiting other farms outside the area for at least 12 hours post-visit.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Updates
This advisory is expected to remain active until mid-November 2025. Should there be a need for an extension beyond November 15th, updates will be communicated promptly.
For ongoing updates, please visit www.fbcc.ca.
This article is structured with appropriate headers and paragraphs, making it easy to read and navigate. The information is presented clearly, emphasizing important points and encouraging readers to follow recommended biosecurity measures.
