The Gyps vultures of South Asia are large on the internal organs as the almost birds with relatively unknown, foraging,
vultures. Eliminating the possible causes
patterns. Populations of Gyps vultures on of renal failure in birds the team found the Indian subcontinent were considered
their culprit among the region’s recently
to livestock on the Indian subcontinent.
the same reasons that a human might take
three Asian Gyps vultures were listed aspirin or ibuprofen, it masks nominal as critically endangered. Population
surveys estimated that the three species
of Gyps vultures (Gyps bengalensis, Gyps in the region in the veterinary treatment indicus, and Gyps tenuirostris) had suffered
of domestic livestock, carcasses of which
are the vultures’ primary food source.
species represent half of all raptors In a part of the world where livestock classified in this most precarious state of
play integral roles in the livelihood of
work force. At 50 cents (US dollars) per
treatment, it is also a cheap drug. Sales
of the drug in India exceeded 10 million
fears of viral or bacterial threat. These
doses in 2004, and it is manufactured and
Fund’s team of biologists, who had been
diclofenac was the cause of renal failure
Vulture News 55 September 2006of carcasses found in the wild needed
accounted for vulture feeding frequency,
documentary, The Last Flight from All
toxicity of diclofenac (birds can die of
that only one contaminated carcass in within six months. Fifteen months later 250 was necessary for the observed
carcasses revealed that nearly one in months, and some manufacturers have ten had sufficient levels of diclofenac to
cause renal failure in a Gyps vulture.
for in state of the art facilities by people
for safe-keeping and to initiate a captive
breeding programme; and eventually significant expenditure of resources on releasing the captive bred vultures once
suggest that national pride led Pakistani
officials to stop relocation of the last
AVPP, a Peregrine Fund initiative to remaining Pakistani Gyps vultures outside monitor the last remaining colonies of
the Asian Gyps vultures, show that two motive, if there is any, is not known. of the largest breeding colonies (~1400
breeding pairs) have been extirpated, government action, and its limited and only about 40 breeding pairs
effectiveness given the relative ease of
colony of G. bengalensis. The only ban even in regions where it has been banned,
September 2006 Vulture News 55The Peregrine Fund and its partners
suggests that vultures provided food will
reduce the distance at which they forage
mortality. It is a short-term strategy, but
sensibilities of veterinarians and livestock
important at this time to sustain enough
birds in the wild until long term solutions
information dissemination to curtail the
example of a public information flyer is
South Asia as a natural carcass disposal
a substitute for diclofenac is a promising
Unfortunately, while the plight of these
of diclofenac, and not toxic to vultures.
decline at a rapid rate. Political inertia
Cameron Ellis, The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA. E-mail address: cellis@peregrinefund.org
Assist The Peregrine Fund’s Asian Vulture Population Project by submitting breeding information about vultures in South Asia (species, how many nests, how many chicks, geographical location, etc.). Visit the Asian Vulture Population Project at: www.peregrinefund.org/vulture
This flyer is being distributed in South Asia by The Peregrine Fund, Bombay Natural History Society, and others. For more information visit: www.peregrinefund.org/vulture
ORIGINAL ARTICLE Are Antibiotics Needed for Common Throat Infections? Farhan E Abdullah,1 Atif Rasool,2 Hafiz M Muazzam Ali,3 Fahad Shamsi3 and Wardah Muazzam3 ABSTRACT Objective: Ever fuelling antibiotic use and resulting resistance is still prevalent in our society most commonly prescribed for throat infections. However community acquired throat infections are known to be caused mos
Encore trop de médicaments inutiles ou dangereux en circulation ! Extrait du Centre Technique Régional de la Consommation PACA Encore trop de médicaments inutiles ou dangereux en circulation ! - ACTUALITES - ACTUALITES PRECEDENTES - Actualités 2011 - 2e Trimestre 2011 - Avril 2011 - Date de mise en ligne : mardi 5 avril 2011 Centre Technique Régional de la Consommation PACA