NEW DELHI: The lack of funds for care and rampant use of toxic chemicals/medicines have significantly contributed to the dwindling population of vultures across the country. The population of vultures – the natural scavengers – has come down from 4 crore to 19,000 in a span of over three decades.
Vultures are important for the ecosystem, as they prevent an outbreak of epidemics. In the absence of it, the number of feral dogs’ population increases and they become carriers of several diseases that affect humans, wildlife and livestock.
When the Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change Bhupender Yadav visited the Pinjore-based Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centre, he announced the release of vultures in the wild soon. However, he was silent on the rampant use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), which are toxic to vultures, within 100 km of the center.
Experts say that once the birds are released, they will find their food within 100 km and may fall prey to NSAID. Recently, experts conducted a survey and carcass sampling within 100 km of the Pinjore centre. The survey report, which is yet to be made public, shows large-scale use of NSAID. In 2004, American scientist Lindsay Oaks discovered that Diclofenac – an NSAID -- was the cause behind the vultures’ declining population. This drug caused visceral gout – a disease in the accumulation of uric acid crystals on organs, particularly the kidneys. After the findings, the government banned the use of Diclofenac in 2008.
“The drug’s illegal use through human formulation has continued,” said Sachin Ranade, a vulture scientist. “In 2015, again, the government banned large vials (5-50 ml) of Diclofenac and allowed only 2-3 ml vials for human use which drugs company protested and took the matter to court. The Delhi High Court overruled and continued the ban,” said Ranade.
Later, scientists found that more NSAID identified as aceclofenac, nimesulide, and ketoprofen proved toxic to vultures. In September 2022, a Delhi-based lawyer and RTI activist, Gaurav Bansal, filed a petition in the HC asking for a ban on the three NSAID.
According to Bansal, the court asked for advice from institutions like Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the main drug regulatory body. The BNHS supported the ban on NSAID. “The CDSCO stand is unclear,” said Bansal.
“Last year, we visited chemist shops of every tehsil/block where we found NSAID being sold openly as the people were ignorant about alternatives within the range of 100 km of the Pinjore centre,” said Vibhash Pandey, BNHS Director. Pandey said two alternative medicines – Tolfenamic and Meloxicam, which proved safe enough for vultures -- are available but are not popular among vets. “We get around Rs 6 crore budget to maintain four centres,” says Pandey.
DEADLY DRUGS
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are highly toxic to vultures who may consume it via dead cows or cattle.
Visceral gout is a disease where the accumulation of uric acid crystals in different organs, including the liver, causes severe renal damage
Diclofenac: Causes kidney failure
Aceclofenac:
A prodrug that quickly metabolises into diclofenac
Nimesulide: Induces kidney failure
Ketorprofane: Causes visceral grout
SAFE FOR NOW
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