2000-2005 vulture decline in India led to 500,000 premature deaths and a $70B economic impact due to diclofenac toxicity.

A study reveals that the decline of vulture populations in India led to up to 500,000 premature deaths between 2000 and 2005. Vultures play a crucial role in India's ecosystems by consuming dead animals, preventing the spread of diseases from other scavengers like feral dogs, which can carry rabies. The significant drop in vulture populations resulted in a severe public health crisis, with an estimated annual economic impact of nearly $70 billion. The decline began due to diclofenac, a drug used to treat sick cows, which was toxic to vultures.

July 25, 2024
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