Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Species of vultures

Mains level: Role of vultures in the ecosystem, threats to vulture population and conservation efforts,

What’s the news?

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac and their formulations for animal use under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 (23 of 40) in a notification dated July 31, 2023

Central idea

Experts dedicated to vulture conservation have warmly welcomed this initiative, recognizing it as a game changer for India’s beleaguered vulture population. However, the true test lies in the effective implementation of the ban, while the experts also advocate for extending similar protective measures to other raptors (birds of prey).

Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and alleviate fever. They belong to the same class of medications, but have slight differences in their chemical structures and properties.

In the 1990s, India witnessed a sharp decline in its vulture populations due to the use of diclofenac, a pain reliever administered to cattle.
Vultures feeding on cattle carcasses ingested the drug, leading to their painful deaths.
The alarming revelation in 2004 showed that 97% of the vulture population had been lost, primarily affecting species like oriental white-backed vultures, long-billed vultures, and slender-billed vultures.

In response to the crisis, the Indian government and various agencies formulated a Vulture Recovery Plan in 2004.
The plan aimed to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac, find safer substitutes, and establish conservation breeding centers for vultures.
Since vultures are slow breeders and have long lifespans, any increase in the annual mortality rate above 5% could threaten their survival.
In 2006, the use of diclofenac as a veterinary drug was banned and later gazetted in 2008.
The ban prompted the recommendation to use the safer drug, meloxicam, as an alternative.
Despite this progress, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen and aceclofenac, still pose a threat to vultures.

Conversion to Toxic Metabolites: When cattle or other livestock are treated with ketoprofen or aceclofenac, these drugs can be metabolized and converted into toxic compounds, such as diclofenac. Diclofenac is extremely harmful to vultures and can cause kidney failure and death when they consume the carcasses of treated animals.
Slow Metabolism in Vultures: Vultures have a slow metabolism compared to other birds, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of these drugs. The accumulation of toxic metabolites in their bodies over time can lead to severe health issues and fatalities.
Scavenging Behavior: Vultures are obligate scavengers, meaning they primarily feed on carrion (dead animals). However, this scavenging behavior makes them highly vulnerable to ingesting contaminated animal remains.

Conflicting Situations on the Ground: One of the key challenges in implementing the ban is the presence of conflicting situations on the ground. While many experts and organizations support the ban to protect vultures, there may be opposing views from stakeholders who have vested interests in the use of these drugs.
Role of State and Central Governments: While the ban decision comes from the central government, it is essential to observe how the state and central governments collaborate to enforce the prohibition effectively.
Immediate Implementation and Awareness: The ban has been introduced without a specified date for implementation, making it an immediate measure. This calls for swift action from state authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that the ban is followed promptly.
Potential Opposition to the Ban: Given the significance of livestock and agriculture in India, there may be opposition to the ban from certain quarters, who rely on the use of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for animal treatment.
Extending Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Ensuring the safety of drugs for other raptors might require additional research and testing to understand potential risks and adverse effects on these birds.

Strengthen Enforcement: Collaborate closely between state and central governments to ensure effective enforcement of the ban. Implement regular inspections and penalties for non-compliance to deter violations.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate veterinarians, farmers, drug suppliers, and the public about the ban’s importance for vulture conservation.
Monitor and Evaluate Impact: Set up a robust monitoring system to assess the ban’s effectiveness in curbing drug usage and its impact on vulture populations.
Research and Safe Alternatives: Explore safer alternatives to Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for veterinary use that do not harm vultures or the environment.
Extend Safety Measures to Other Raptors: Conduct studies to determine the safety of drugs for other raptor species and consider their conservation needs in regulatory measures.
International Collaboration: Engage in international collaborations to share knowledge and experiences in vulture conservation and protect these birds globally

The ban on ketoprofen and aceclofenac marks a positive development in vulture conservation efforts in India. To ensure success, immediate action is required, and public awareness should be raised. The collective efforts of the government, experts, and stakeholders are essential to safeguard India’s vultures and preserve their ecological importance

Also read:

Efforts for Vulture Conservation