Vulture Conservation Key To Pandemic Preparedness
The decline of vultures in India has emerged as public health concern. Once numbering over 40 million, their population has dropped by more than 95% since the 1990s. This decline is linked to the widespread use of the veterinary drug diclofenac and poses risks beyond ecology. Vultures act as natural waste managers by consuming animal carcasses that might otherwise spread deadly pathogens. Protecting these birds is now recognised as important step in preventing future pandemics.
Role of Vultures in Public Health
Vultures efficiently dispose of dead animals. This limits the spread of diseases such as anthrax, rabies, and botulism. By removing carcasses quickly, vultures reduce the chances of zoonotic spillover. Their scavenging prevents other animals from feeding on infected remains. Thus, vultures form a natural barrier against outbreaks. Their decline increases the risk of disease transmission to humans and livestock.
The Central Asian Flyway
India’s vultures are part of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), a migratory route spanning over 30 countries. Millions of birds use this corridor annually, linking ecosystems across borders. Carcass dumps and landfills along the flyway can become hotspots for disease spillover. Hence, vulture conservation is a regional issue affecting biodiversity and health security. Coordinated action among CAF countries is essential to manage these risks.
Challenges in Vulture Conservation
Conservation efforts face structural and financial gaps. Vulture protection programmes are underfunded and fragmented. Toxic veterinary drugs like diclofenac remain in use. Infrastructure hazards such as electrocution from power lines cause mortality. Integration of vulture conservation into national One Health strategies is limited. These challenges hinder effective pandemic risk reduction linked to vultures.
India’s National Action Plan and Future Strategy
India’s National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2016-25) is nearing completion. The next phase aims to embed vulture protection within pandemic preparedness. A five-pillar strategy is proposed
- Satellite telemetry for habitat and risk mapping.
- A Decision Support System combining wildlife, livestock, and human health data.
- Strong One Health coordination across sectors.
- Transboundary collaboration under CAF and international agreements.
- Community stewardship involving local groups, women, and youth.
Benefits of Integrating Conservation and Health Security
Linking vulture conservation to health security can reduce zoonotic spillover risks. It strengthens surveillance and rapid response systems. This approach aligns with the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office’s health security roadmap (2023–27). Investments in telemetry, safe veterinary practices, and infrastructure are cost-effective compared to outbreak management. India’s leadership in this field could serve as a global model for biodiversity-linked pandemic prevention.
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