Recently, Poultry farms in Khammam and Kothagudem districts (Telangana) have been affected by Ranikhet Disease (RD) and Newcastle Disease, leading to significant bird mortality and financial losses for farm owners.
- Ranikhet disease, also known in the West as Newcastle disease is a contagious and highly fatal disease of flows.
- In spite of the notable work done towards its control, this disease still ranks as one of the most serious virus diseases of poultry.
- The disease occurs in almost all countries and usually assumes a server form affecting birds of all ages.
- Mortality in flows varies from 50 to 100 per cent.
- This is an acute viral disease of poultry characterized by involvement of respiratory system, drop in egg production and mortality as high as 100% in severe cases.
- This virus has zoonotic effect and can causes human deaths.
