MODELLING THE IMPACT OF DICLOFENAC POISONING IN VULTURES OF THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Abstract

Diclofenac, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), has significantly reduced vulture populations in the Indian subcontinent due to its presence in deceased livestock. Used in veterinary practice since the 1990s, diclofenac leads to visceral gout and death in vultures consuming treated cattle carcasses. This has resulted in a vulture population decrease of over 99% in 30 years, with severe ecological and socio-economic consequences. Despite bans in India, Nepal, and Pakistan since 2006, illegal use persists, with high diclofenac residues found in vulture carcasses. This study uses the SEIR (Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed) model to simulate diclofenac’s impact on vultures.