Evaluation of the matrix effect of thermophilic anaerobic digestion on inactivation of infectious laryngotracheitis virus using real-time PCR and viral cell culture

► True matrix effect of TAD on inactivation of ILT virus was explored first time. ► TAD matrix alone eliminates the viral infectivity and impairs the viral DNA core of ILT virus. ► Viral inactivation of TAD matrix was in the time- and dose-dependant manner. ► TAD process was a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to treat poultry biowaste and dead chicken.