Minutes of the 89th Meeting of Drugs Technical Advisory Board held on 10th May 2023 at DGHS, Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi. Agenda No.4 Consideration of proposal for ban on the vet drugs KETOPROFEN and ACECLOFENAC for treatment of livestock animal to conserve VULTURES.
AGENDA NO.4
CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSAL FOR BAN ON THE VET DRUGS KETOPROFEN AND ACECLOFENAC FOR TREATMENT OF LIVESTOCK
ANIMAL TO CONSERVE VULTURE.
The Board was apprised that representation was received requesting for ban on veterinary drugs 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 referred to Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare for expert opinion. The matter was examined by DAHD in consultation with the subject experts and it was recommended to impose ban on the veterinary drugs “Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac” for treatment of livestock animal to conserve vulture. 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.
Further, the Board also opined that the issue should be proactively examined and a list of all such drugs which affect the animal health or environment should be prepared for taking further appropriate action in the matter and accordingly recommended to constitute a subcommittee to examine the matter in details and submit its report to the Board.
[Source: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Government of India]