A highly contagious disease, called Infectious Laryngotracheitis (ILT), has been discovered in a backyard flock south of Steinbach.

Manitoba Chicken Producers Executive Director Wayne Hiltz says its been decades since the herpes-like virus was discovered in a commercial flock, however it is more common in backyard operations. Hiltz notes he was notified about the discovery on May 30th.

He says the disease has been known to wipe-out up to 50 per cent of a flock.

"It's very concerning," commented Hiltz. "It can be spread through contact or through contact with humans...It can be on a shoe and that can be transferred from one farm to another. Being south of Steinbach, I believe we have five producers within five kilometres. Closest one's probably within a mile and I think we had about another 10-12 producers within 10 kilometres, so it's very concerning."

Hiltz says the discovery of ILT in a commercial operation would mean immediate eradication of the flock, however that's not necessarily the case for a backyard operation.

The province says a voluntary quarantine has been implemented at the farm.

Manitoba Agriculture staff attended the premises and expanded the quarantine with a thorough disease management plan.