Ranikhet disease is another name for Newcastle Disease (ND) – a highly contagious viral disease that affects poultry and many species of birds. Here’s a clear breakdown: 🔹 Causative agent: Newcastle disease virus (NDV), a Paramyxovirus. 🔹 Transmission: Direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, secretions, feed, or contaminated equipment. Airborne spread in crowded poultry farms. 🔹 Types of ND virus strains: Lentogenic → mild form (often used as vaccine strain). Mesogenic → moderate