Health Ministry prohibits sale of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac to conserve vultures
health ministry has prohibited sale of two veterinary drugs-Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac. According to the notification dated July 31, the government prohibited the manufacture, sale and distribution of these drugs and their formulations. The government said that it is satisfied that the use of drug formulations containing Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac.
are likely to involve risk to animals and since safer alternatives are available it is necessary to ban it in the public interest. The move follows a decision by India's drug technical advisory board-Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) which was held in May. In the DTAB meeting, a representation was made before the board requesting for ban on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac for treatment of livestock animals to conserve vultures.
In the representation, it was mentioned that Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac in cattle is equally toxic as Diclofenac and can kill vultures. Study showed that the Aceclofenac was rapidly metabolised into Diclofenac and Ketoprofen is toxic to Gyps vultures. The same matter was also referred to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare for their expert opinion.
«The matter was examined by DAHD in consultation with the subject experts and it was recommended to impose a ban on the veterinary drugs ``Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac” for treatment of livestock animal to conserve vulture,» said the minutes of the meeting. The DTAB deliberated the matter and agreed to prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of the drugs (i) Ketoprofen and its formulations and (ii) Aceclofenac and its formulations for animal use. It has also been opined to proactively examine and
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