Wildlife & Biodiversity

Painkiller nimesulide finally banned after research confirms lethality for vultures

Vultures' metabolise nimesulide in a way that it leads to renal failure and death
Painkiller nimesulide banned after research confirms lethality for vultures
The mass die-off of vultures, particularly species like the Indian vulture and Gyps bengalensis, became a serious conservation concern.Photographs by Vikas Choudhary
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The long-awaited ban on nimesulide is now officially in place in India after scientific researches confirmed its toxic impact on the endangered vultures.

Nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is widely used to relieve pain and inflammation. It not only impacts vultures but is also not suitable for adminstration in humans.

Nimesulide, when administered to livestock, was detected in their carcasses. Vultures, which scavenge on animal remains, were inadvertently ingesting the drug.
Nimesulide, when administered to livestock, was detected in their carcasses. Vultures, which scavenge on animal remains, were inadvertently ingesting the drug.

The drug was found to be toxic to the kidneys of vultures, resulting in severe health issues and a significant decline in their population.

These birds play a crucial ecological role by cleaning up animal carcasses, thus preventing the spread of disease. Their decline had negative repercussions on biodiversity and ecosystems.
These birds play a crucial ecological role by cleaning up animal carcasses, thus preventing the spread of disease. Their decline had negative repercussions on biodiversity and ecosystems.

As part of efforts to protect vultures and other wildlife, regulatory authorities in India began taking steps to limit the use of Nimesulide, especially in veterinary medicine. This was one of the factors that contributed to the eventual ban on the drug in the country.

Gyps vulture
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