Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In India, an estimated 99.5% of its vulture population has been decimated. The most likely cause is the use of a drug called diclofenac given to cattle. The drug was likely passed onto the vultures by feeding on their dead carcasses.
In the 1980s three species (the white-rumped vulture, long-billed vulture and slender-billed vulture) had a combined population of 40 million. By 2017 their numbers were estimated to have dropped to 19,000.
Further, the decimation of their population has caused infections in human populations.
Unfortunately, it is just one of (yet the most extreme) example of how third and fourth order effects of drugs are impacting different organisms. From birds and fish, to surrounding human populations, to water integrity, it is clear that our healthcare systems need reform.
For the full episode with healthcare economist Martin Hensher, go to PlanetCritical.com.
In India, an estimated 99.5% of its vulture population has been decimated. The most likely cause is the use of a drug called diclofenac given to cattle. The drug was likely passed onto the vultures by feeding on their dead carcasses.
In the 1980s three species (the white-rumped vulture, long-billed vulture and slender-billed vulture) had a combined population of 40 million. By 2017 their numbers were estimated to have dropped to 19,000.
Further, the decimation of their population has caused infections in human populations.
Unfortunately, it is just one of (yet the most extreme) example of how third and fourth order effects of drugs are impacting different organisms. From birds and fish, to surrounding human populations, to water integrity, it is clear that our healthcare systems need reform.
For the full episode with healthcare economist Martin Hensher, go to PlanetCritical.com.
