New diagnostic tool shows promise in detecting ILT in chickens

Researchers at the University of Georgia have evaluated a new diagnostic tool for the detection of Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILTV), a virus causing respiratory disease in chickens globally. The study, funded by USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation with support from Pilgrim’s, marks a critical advancement in poultry disease management.

The research, spearheaded by Dr. Maricarmen Garcia and her team at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health, University of Georgia, focused on enhancing the diagnostic capabilities for ILTV. Their findings offer a promising solution to better identify and understand the virus, crucial for effective disease control in poultry populations.

ILTV poses significant challenges to the poultry industry, with outbreaks leading to respiratory distress and elevated mortality rates among chickens. Traditional diagnostic methods have often struggled to accurately genotype ILTV strains, hampering efforts to control its spread. However, the newly evaluated diagnostic tool showcases enhanced discriminatory power, enabling precise identification of ILTV genotypes with higher accuracy than previous assays.

The study utilized a novel genotyping assay, featuring a multiplex PCR approach amplifying specific regions of the ILTV genome. By expanding the sequenced genome region and employing MinION nanopore sequencing technology, researchers achieved a deeper understanding of ILTV genetic diversity. This advancement allowed for the identification of novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) crucial for distinguishing between different ILTV genotypes.

During the evaluation period from July 2023 to March 2024, the new diagnostic tool successfully genotyped 97 out of 100 samples collected from ILTV cases. Notably, the tool accurately identified strains associated with both non-vaccine related outbreaks (Genotype VI) and vaccine strains (Genotype IV).

Garcia emphasized the significance of accurate genotyping in managing ILTV outbreaks. “Accurate genotyping of ILTV viruses from recurrent cases facilitates the ability to identify potential sources of the virus, characterize patterns of virus spreading, and design more effective control measures,” she explained.

The implications of this research extend beyond diagnostic improvements. Deep sequencing of ILTV during outbreaks provided valuable insights into the genetic stability of viruses in vaccinated and non-vaccinated flocks, aiding in the development of targeted control strategies.