What is Ketoprofen?

Several state governments are banning veterinary use of Ketoprofen drug to save vultures.

Which drugs led to collapse of vulture population?

There are three Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID) viz. Diclofenac, Aceclofenac and Ketoprofen, whose veterinary use has led to collapse of populations of vulture species of genus Gyps in South Asia, particularly India. While ban on Diclofenac and Aceclofenac for veterinary use was in place for several years now; many states have started banning Ketoprofen also in recent times. Each of them causes death of vultures due to kidney damage, increased serum uric acid concentrations and visceral gout in a few days after they consume the carcass of the animals treated with these drugs.

Is there any vulture safe drug?

Yes. There is another NSAID called Meloxicam, which has been proved to be of low toxicity to Gyps vultures. It has been recommended to be used in place of diclofenac to reduce vulture mortality. Meloxicam is available for veterinary use in India.