New Delhi, March 05: Diclofenac is the “major cause” behind the rapidly declining vulture numbers in the country, the government said today.
“Studies have indicated that use of Diclofenac in livestock is the major cause of vulture decline. Vultures are exposed to Diclofenac when they consume carcasses of cattle that were administered this drug,” Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi informed Lok Sabha in a written reply.
He said the government has already banned the use of Diclofenac and its formulations for animal use under Sector 26A of Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
“There are alternative medications like Meloxicam, Nimesulide etc., which are permitted for animal use in the country,” he said.
–Agencies