A Silent Threat to Vultures from Veterinary Medicine

Krishna C. Gamit and Tamanna H. Solanki

Numerous chemicals have been introduced into our environment since the post-World War II era due to tremendous industrial growth. These consist of industrial wastes, medicines and insecticides. These drugs are intended to enhance human life, animal health and agriculture, but their unforeseen impacts on the environment have frequently gone unnoticed. Scientists have found over time that these substances are not limited to their intended targets. Rather, they damage non-target species by spreading through soil, water and food systems. One of the more startling instances is the decline in vulture populations in India as a result of the veterinary medication diclofenac.