{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Poultry Farmers Face Monsoon Threat: Veterinary Experts Outline Essential Steps to Prevent Ranikhet Disease and Keep Sheds Dry",
  "summary": "Increased moisture during the monsoon heightens the risk of Ranikhet disease in poultry sheds. Dr. Poonam Soren from Deoghar Krishi Vigyan Kendra shares critical advice on shed management and flock protection.",
  "content": "The arrival of the monsoon season brings severe operational hurdles for poultry farmers in rural areas. Continuous rainfall causes a steep rise in humidity, dampness, and moisture levels inside poultry sheds. In many cases, rainwater enters directly into the shelter premises, significantly multiplying the risk of disease outbreaks among the flock. Veterinary specialists warn that if shed cleanliness is ignored and chickens are forced to stay on wet floors, contagious infections can rapidly transmit from a single bird to the entire flock, leading to devastating economic losses for farmers.\n\nDangers of Shed Moisture and Toxic Ammonia Gas Buildup\nMaintaining a completely dry and hygienic environment within the poultry shed is the primary challenge during the rainy season. According to Dr. Poonam Soren, Senior Veterinarian at the Deoghar Krishi Vigyan Kendra, chickens must not be kept in damp or wet conditions under any circumstances. She advises poultry keepers to regularly sprinkle lime inside the poultry shed every two to three days.\n\nWhen damp soil mixes with chicken droppings, harmful ammonia gas is released. Exposure to this pungent gas inflicts severe damage on the delicate respiratory systems of chickens. Inhaling ammonia gas over extended periods escalates respiratory distress and leads to a noticeable surge in flock mortality rates.\n\nIdentifying Ranikhet Disease Symptoms and Viral Outbreaks\nDr. Soren highlights that the threat of Ranikhet disease, a highly contagious and dangerous condition, reaches its peak during the monsoon months. In addition to Ranikhet disease, high humidity and unsanitary surroundings foster respiratory ailments, diarrhea, and diverse viral infections.\n\nFarmers need to remain extremely vigilant if they notice specific warning signs among their chickens. Key symptoms requiring immediate attention include\n\n• Sudden lethargy in birds, accompanied by a sharp decline in feed and water intake.\n• Breathing difficulties characterized by audible rattling sounds or gasping.\n• A sudden and heavy drop in egg production among laying hens.\n\nBest Practices for Feed, Drinking Water, and Shed Hygiene\nProper management requires keeping the poultry shed well-ventilated at all times. If the floor bedding material, such as wood shavings or paddy husk, becomes wet or damp, it should be removed instantly and replaced with dry, clean bedding.\n\nBirds must strictly be provided with clean, safe drinking water, and their watering vessels should be washed and sanitized daily. Poultry feed must be stored carefully to shield it from moisture and mold accumulation, as feeding damp or moldy feed causes severe gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, waterlogging around the exterior of the shed must be prevented, as stagnant water serves as a major breeding ground for disease-causing pathogens.\n\nQuarantine Protocols, Timely Vaccination, and Professional Care\nTo prevent disease transmission across the farm, strict biosecurity protocols must be implemented. If any chicken exhibits illness symptoms, it should be isolated immediately from healthy birds. Additionally, newly acquired chickens from outside should never be introduced directly into the existing flock; they must be kept separately in quarantine for several days while their health status is monitored.\n\nTo safeguard the flock against Ranikhet disease and other infectious illnesses, age-appropriate vaccinations must be administered without delay. In the event of sudden chicken deaths or rapid disease spread, farmers should avoid self-medicating the birds and instead contact the nearest veterinarian or animal husbandry department officials promptly.\n\nWhat this means for you\n• Across India: Keeping poultry sheds dry and following timely vaccination schedules during the monsoon helps farmers reduce flock mortality and prevent severe economic losses.\n• In Deoghar & Jharkhand: Local poultry farmers following guidance from Deoghar Krishi Vigyan Kendra can effectively prevent Ranikhet disease outbreaks and maintain stable farm productivity.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Why does the risk of Ranikhet disease increase during the monsoon season?\nHigh humidity, dampness, and unsanitary conditions inside poultry sheds during the rainy season facilitate the rapid spread of viral infections like Ranikhet disease.\n\n2. How can ammonia gas buildup be prevented in poultry sheds?\nFarmers should sprinkle lime on the shed floor every two to three days and replace damp bedding material with dry husk or wood shavings immediately.\n\n3. What are the primary symptoms of Ranikhet disease in chickens?\nSymptoms include sudden lethargy, reduced feed and water consumption, respiratory distress with rattling sounds, and a sharp decline in egg production.\n\n4. What steps should be taken if a chicken shows signs of illness?\nIsolate the sick bird immediately from the rest of the flock and consult a local veterinarian or animal husbandry department official without delay.\n\n5. How should newly purchased chickens be introduced to the farm?\nNewly acquired birds should not be mixed directly with the existing flock. Keep them in quarantine for a few days to monitor their health.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/national/manasuna-ke-daurana-murgiyon-para-mndaraya-ranikheta-bimari-ka-khatara-deoghar-ke-pashu-visheshajna-se-janen-bachava-ke-prabhavi-t-19631",
  "category": "India",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-21",
  "tags": [
    "Ranikhet Disease",
    "Poultry Farming",
    "Deoghar",
    "Monsoon Care",
    "Animal Health",
    "Krishi Vigyan Kendra",
    "Livestock Management"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}