Uttar Pradesh bans veterinary use of Diclofenac

Uttar Pradesh has banned medicines containing Diclofenac for veterinary purposes in a bid to check the drop in the population of vultures as a result of consuming livestock that had been administered the drug.

The Drug Controller General of India has cancelled the licence for use of Diclofenac for animals.

A complete phase-out would take three months, said a State official.

Directive sent

A directive has also been sent to chief veterinary officers and other officers of the Animal Husbandry Department, the official said.

The move follows reports that Indian vultures were dying as they feed on dead livestock that had been given anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly Diclofenac.

Unchecked sale

While the Centre has already banned its use for animals across the country, the medicine is being sold freely at medical stores.