What is Ranikhet disease?

Ranikhet disease, also widely known as Newcastle Disease (ND) or Doyle's disease, is a highly contagious and acute viral infection primarily affecting poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and other bird species.

What is Ranikhet Disease?

Ranikhet disease is an acute, infectious, and highly contagious disease that primarily impacts fowls (poultry). It is characterized by severe respiratory issues, neurological signs, and a high mortality rate among affected birds. The disease is caused by a paramyxovirus and poses a significant threat to the poultry industry worldwide due to its rapid spread and devastating effects on flocks.

Key Characteristics of Ranikhet Disease

This serious poultry ailment exhibits several distinct features that contribute to its impact:

• Acute Nature: The disease often has a rapid onset and progression, leading to quick deterioration of bird health.
• Infectious and Contagious: It spreads quickly within a flock through direct contact with infected birds, their secretions, or contaminated feed, water, and equipment.
• High Mortality: One of the most devastating aspects of Ranikhet disease is its capacity to cause high mortality rates, often reaching 80-100% in susceptible unvaccinated flocks.

Symptoms and Clinical Signs

Birds affected by Ranikhet disease typically display a range of symptoms, which can vary in severity depending on the strain of the virus and the bird's immune status. Common signs include:

• Respiratory Distress:
  • Gasping
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Rales (rattling sounds during breathing)
  • Nasal discharge
• Nervous Symptoms:
  • Tremors
  • Wing paralysis
  • Leg paralysis
  • Twisted neck (torticollis)
  • Incoordination and circling
  • Paralysis leading to an inability to move
• Other Symptoms:
  • Depression and loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea (often greenish)
  • Reduced egg production or soft-shelled/deformed eggs in laying hens
  • Swelling of the head and neck

Also Known As

Ranikhet disease is globally recognized by its more common scientific name, Newcastle Disease (ND). It is also historically referred to as Doyle's disease, named after the scientist who first identified it.

Affected Animals

The disease primarily targets poultry, which includes:

• Chickens
• Turkeys
• Ducks
• Geese
• Pigeons
• Other domestic and wild birds

Prevention and Control

Effective prevention and control of Ranikhet disease rely heavily on robust biosecurity measures and vaccination programs.

• Vaccination: Regular vaccination of poultry flocks is the most effective method to prevent outbreaks and reduce the severity of the disease.
• Biosecurity: Strict biosecurity protocols, such as limiting access to poultry houses, disinfecting equipment, controlling pests, and isolating new birds, are crucial to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus.
• Hygiene: Maintaining high standards of hygiene in poultry farms can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
• Culling: In severe outbreaks, culling of infected and exposed birds may be necessary to prevent further spread.

Key Aspects of Ranikhet Disease

To summarize the essential information:

For more detailed information, reputable sources such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) offer comprehensive insights into Newcastle Disease.