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Self-medicating species: Animals that say yes to drugs

Author
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Published
Fri 18 Jul 2025
Episode Link
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/what-the-duck/animals-selfmedicate-drugs/105496476

It turns out self-medicating and herbal remedies are not exclusive to humans.

From cats eating grass, to elephants making medicinal tea in their throat pouch — the animal world has its own prescriptions.

And naturally, there's plenty of digging through poo involved in this scientific research!

Featuring:
Dr Kevin Feeney, Central Washington University.
Professor Michael Huffman, University of Kyoto.
Dr Sophia Daoudi-Simison, Newcastle University UK.

Production:
Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.
Nick Kilvert, Presenter/ Producer.
Petria Ladgrove, Producer.
Mastering: Angela Grant.

This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in 2022 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and the Kaurna people.

Stream the brand-new series Dr Ann's Secret Lives on ABC iview.

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