The recent status of ILT in Australia was used here as a model to evaluate the evolution of the ILT viruses (ILTVs).
Many of the recent outbreaks were caused by two recombinant ILTVs with higher virulence and replication capacity.
Yet another recombinant ILTV emerged and appeared to become a predominant genotype in one state of the country.
In another state however, another recombinant virus became the predominant virus, replacing the local historical strain.
ILTV is fast evolving towards a greater transmissibility and therefore greater capacity to spread into ILTV-free areas.