[Infectious laryngotracheitis in chickens, peacocks and pheasants and means and limitations for its control with attenuated live vaccines].

All hitherto examined gallinaceous birds (Phasianiformes) are susceptible for the virus of infectious laryngotracheits, an avian alpha-herpesvirus. Degree and duration of the disease are highly variable. Chickens of all breeds, peacocks and some of the numerous species of pheasants (diamont, blue and white ear, impeyanus, Reeve's, Elliott and argus pheasant) suffer from severe haemorrhagic or fibrinous laryngotracheitis. The ring-necked pheasant displays a distinct conjunctivitis and sinusitis following natural exposure. An attenuated live virus vaccine is sofar developed, tested and registered only for the chicken. The vaccine is usually administered in the conjunctival sac (eye drop method). All vaccinated chickens are to be kept separately from unvaccinated chickens for four weeks post vaccinationem. Separation is also necessary for peacocks and pheasants because these birds may suffer from infection of vaccinal virus. The attenuated live virus vaccine should only be administered to chickens in areas in which ILT is endemic. Chickens less than four weeks of age as well as any of the peacock and pheasant species must not be vaccinated. Turkeys do normally not contract the disease and therefore need no protection by vaccination.