Vol. 10, Issue 12, Part G (2025)

Author(s): AP Surendar, KM Palanivel, S Saravanan, R Gopala Krishnamurthy and M Dharani

Abstract: Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an economically important respiratory disease of chickens caused by Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus (ILTV), a member of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Backyard poultry production systems, which are commonly characterized by free-range management, inadequate biosecurity, and absence of systematic vaccination, may contribute to the maintenance and dissemination of ILTV. These birds can harbor the virus subclinically and serve as epidemiological links between village flocks and commercial poultry operations. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of ILTV in backyard poultry through PCR-based detection and genetic characterization. Clinical and subclinical backyard chickens were screened for ILTV using molecular techniques targeting conserved viral genes. Detection of ILTV DNA in backyard poultry highlights their role in viral persistence and underlines the importance of molecular surveillance, enhanced biosecurity, and strategic disease control measures to mitigate transmission risks to commercial poultry.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i12g.2867