In a significant move to protect the environment and conserve vultures, the Indian government has taken decisive action by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac, along with their formulations, for animal use.
This decision was made during the 89th meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), an organization under the Central Drug Control Standard Organization (CDCSO).
The ban comes as a response to reports indicating that these drugs pose serious harm to cattle and can have devastating effects on vultures if they consume the carcasses of animals treated with these medications, leading to an ecological imbalance. Earlier, the Ministry of Health sought input from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) and the Ministry of Agriculture to address this concern thoroughly.
After careful consideration and expert analysis during the DTAB meeting, a consensus was reached to implement the ban on the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of ketoprofen and aceclofenac and their respective formulations intended for animal use. This decision aligns with Bangladesh's previous action, as it became the first country to ban the use of ketoprofen.
The meeting minutes highlighted that ketoprofen and aceclofenac exhibit similar toxicity to diclofenac in cattle, which is known to be lethal to vultures.
Additionally, studies revealed that aceclofenac can be rapidly metabolized to diclofenac, further raising concerns about its impact on vultures. Ketoprofen, in particular, has been identified as toxic to Gyps vultures.
Considering the critical role vultures play in the ecosystem, experts thoroughly examined the matter, leading to the recommendation to ban these drugs used in livestock treatment. This progressive decision reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding the environment and promoting ecological balance for the well-being of all species.
