Isolation and molecular detection of infectiuos laryngotracheitis virus in layers and broiler breeders in syria

Abstract EN

In this study, Avian Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT) was diagnosed in layer and broiler breeder farms in Syria between 2006 and 2008.

Clinical signs and gross lesions were typical to acute ILT infections.

At necropsy of affected birds, haemorrhage, diphtheritic changes and caseous material were found in trachea and larynx.

Mortality rates varied from 5% to 29%.

Laryngotracheal tissue samples from each field case were collected and prepared for virus isolation.

Virus isolation was carried out by inoculation of embryonated specific pathogen free eggs (SPF).

Several opaque plaques on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) were observed after seven days of inoculation.

The polymerase chain reaction PCR was utilized to confirm the presence of ILTV DNA.

Positive results by PCR were observed in ILTV isolates obtained from field specimens.

No bands were detected in negative controls.

Our results indicate the presence and circulation of ILTV in chicken Syrian farms, which probably have a high pathogenicity in the field.

Further studies and prevention strategies on avian infectious Laryngotracheitis in Syria should be carried out.