Months after India decided to ban the veterinary use of diclofenac due to its harmful effect on vulture population, researchers have come out with strong doubts over the possible harm other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) can have on, not just vultures, but also marabou stork, saw-whet owl, Harris hawk, spoonbill and seriema. Carprofen, Flunixin, Ibuprofen and Phenylbutazones are the drugs that are currently under the scanner.

A recent paper published by UK scientists, Richard Cuthbert, Rhys Green and Debbie Pain and bird-of-prey expert Jemima Parry-Jones, express doubt that four anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to diclofenac, could be closely associated with deaths from kidney failure caused by scavenging flesh from omesticated animals treated with NSAIDs. All scientists are working closely with Bombay Natural History Society for its Conservation Programme.

The research work, published online in Biology Letters, have also asked veterinarians who look after birds in zoos and collections worldwide to let them know which bird species they had treated with NSAIDs for swellings and injuries and whether any of these had died with the characteristic symptoms of kidney failure.

Bird conservation activists feel that the findings raise the possibility that Asian vultures may not be the only species whose populations are affected by NSAIDs.

"The finding that marabou stork is susceptible to NSAIDs raises the possibility that Greater and Lesser Adjutant storks in India might be in danger because of diclofenac. Both of these species are very closely related to the African Marabou and both eat at least some carrion. Both adjutant species are already listed by IUCN as globally threatened for reasons other than diclofenac poisoning. If they are susceptible, it might pose an even more serious threat. More data are needed on their populations and causes of death, but particularly urgent action may be needed to restrict NSAID use within their ranges" Dr Rhys E. Green Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge has noted.