Nimesulide Ban - Another Step Toward Saving Vultures

Nimesulide Ban – Another Step Toward Saving Vultures

Discover why the Nimesulide ban is crucial for vulture conservation. Learn about its impact on the ecosystem, the dangers of veterinary drugs, and efforts to protect these essential scavengers.

Table of Contents

Context: The Union Government has banned painkiller nimesulide after research confirms its lethality for vultures.

About Nimesulide & its impact on Vultures

It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used to relieve pain and inflammation.
It not only impacts vultures but is also not suitable for administration in humans.
It is banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940.
Drugs that are banned due to their threat to vultures: Diclofenac, Ketoprofen, Aceclofenac & Nimesulide.

Key Issues Leading to the Decline of Vultures

Population Collapse

The white-rumped vulture population has declined by over 99% over recent decades.
The primary cause is the use of NSAIDs in veterinary medicine, especially drugs like diclofenac and nimesulide, which are toxic to vultures.
NSAIDs, when consumed by vultures feeding on treated livestock carcasses, lead to:
- Kidney damage (indicated by visceral gout).
- High mortality rates due to poisoning.