Vultures, Pandemic Preparedness, and Public Health Security

Why in the News?

1. India’s vulture population has declined by over 95% since the 1990s, mainly due to diclofenac use, raising concerns of ecological imbalance and public health risks.
2. As the National Action Plan for Vulture Conservation (2016–25) nears completion, discussions have begun on framing a post-2025 strategy linking vulture protection with pandemic preparedness.
3. Vultures are being recognised as keystone species in the context of One Health strategies, especially given their role in controlling zoonotic disease

Key Highlights

1. Ecological Role of Vultures
   1. Act as nature’s most efficient waste managers by consuming carcasses.
   2. Prevent the spread of deadly pathogens like anthrax, Clostridium botulinum, and rabies.
   3. Historically, over 40 million vultures existed in India before the population collapse.
2. Decline in Population and Causes
   1. Sharp decline of 95% since 1990s due to use of diclofenac (toxic veterinary drug).
   2. Other threats: poisoning, electrocution from power lines, habitat loss, and lack of safe food sources.
   3. Once common carcass dumps with hundreds of vultures are now rare.
3. Link to Public Health and Pandemics
   1. Absence of vultures leads to increased feral dog populations, spreading rabies and other diseases.
   2. Carcass dumps and landfills without vultures become zoonotic spillover hotspots.
   3. As the first animals to encounter carcasses, vultures can aid in surveillance and safe carcass management.
4. Central Asian Flyway (CAF) Significance
   1. India’s vultures are part of CAF, spanning 30+ countries, connecting Central Asia with South Asia.
   2. Migratory corridors act as biodiversity and public health routes, requiring regional cooperation.
   3. Mismanaged stopover sites can spread pathogens across borders, showing why the issue is transnational.
5. Proposed Post-2025 Strategy
   1. Satellite telemetry to map habitats, carcass dumps, and spillover hotspots.
   2. A Decision Support System (DSS) integrating wildlife, livestock, and human health data.
   3. Stronger One Health coordination between environment, veterinary, and health agencies.
   4. Transboundary cooperation under CAF and Convention on Migratory Species.
   5. Community stewardship (especially women and youth) for surveillance and awareness.

Implications

1. Public Health Security
   1. Prevents zoonotic disease outbreaks by reducing spillover risks.
   2. Links conservation directly to pandemic preparedness.
2. Ecological Balance
   1. Restores a keystone species critical for ecosystem cleaning and nutrient cycling.
   2. Reduces feral dog populations and associated human-animal conflicts.
3. Regional and Global Diplomacy
   1. Strengthens India’s role in transboundary biodiversity management via CAF.
   2. Positions India as a leader in biodiversity-linked health security in South Asia.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
   1. Conservation investments (telemetry, veterinary regulations, infrastructure safety) are far cheaper than outbreak responses.
   2. Reduces long-term burden on healthcare systems.
5. Strategic Alignment
   1. Supports India’s One Health approach by integrating human, animal, and ecosystem health.
   2. Aligns with WHO SEARO Health Security Roadmap (2023–27) and Convention on Migratory Species commitments.

Challenges and Way Forward

Conclusion

Vultures are more than scavengers; they are silent guardians of public health and biodiversity. Their decline has exposed ecosystems and societies to zoonotic risks. As India prepares its post-2025 Vulture Conservation Strategy, it has the opportunity to integrate One Health, CAF-based regional cooperation, and modern surveillance systems. Protecting vultures will not only aid species recovery but also safeguard public health, reduce pandemic risks, and position India as a global model for biodiversity-driven health security.