Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV)

Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is taxonomically identified as Gallid herpesvirus 1 and is of the Herpesviridae family. The replication of ILTV is similar to that seen in other alphaherpesviruses such as pseudorabies virus and herpes simplex virus. Once ILTV enters the bird, it initiates infection by attaching to the cell receptors and fuses the envelope with the chicken's cell plasma membrane.

ILTV is inactivated outside of the chicken by disinfectants and exposure to warm temperatures above 38°C (100°F). Equipment such as incubators, feed and waterers, etc. can be disinfected upon fumigation with a 5% hydrogen peroxide mist, or with phenolics, sodium hypochloride, iodophors, or a quarternary ammonium compound at dilutions as recommended by the manufacturer.

ILTV is primarily transmitted through infected and recovered carrier birds which shed the virus in their feces.


  • chickens
  • turkeys
  • pheasants