The nation has actually been struck by an severe snake antivenom scarcity after South African Vaccine Producers, the center that makes snake antivenom, was struck by a series of problems consisting of equipment failure triggered by rolling blackouts.
Some of SA’s primary injury and snakebite specialists have actually made an immediate appeal to the minister of health, Joe Phaahla, to step in and make certain that snake antivenom stocks are raised to appropriate levels.
National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) representative Mzi Gcukumana said the ask for buying antivenom still went beyond supply.
“We are increasing the production of snakebite antivenom. Snakebite antivenom has been delivered to a number of public and private health facilities, as well as veterinarians.”
Since January, he said, they had actually dispersed antivenom to 11 centers in the Free State, 40 in the Western Cape, 9 in Mpumalanga, 11 in Limpopo, 20 in Gauteng, 7 in the Eastern Cape, 12 in KwaZulu-Natal, 8 in North West and 6 in the Northern Cape.
“Every snakebite victim should be able to access antivenom through these 124 facilities nationwide. In the event of an emergency, please phone 071 680 9897 to be directed to the nearest health facility,” Gcukumana said.
Snake catcher Steve Meighan with a puffadder. (Photo: Supplied)
Snake safety
Deep South Reptile Rescue’s Steve Meighan had some ideas on safety and snakes.
“In light of our current antivenom shortage,” he said, “it is very important that we remember our basic snake awareness and safety to avoid conflict situations between ourselves, our pets, and snakes. Prevention is always better than cure.”
Meighan said it was very important to be familiar with what brings in snakes to homes.
“Snakes search for 3 main points: food, water, and shelter from the heat along with the cold. There are no clinically shown efficient snake repellents available. Please do not waste money on this or any other home treatments such as Jeyes Fluid, gas, old oil, garlic, or any of the other old partners’ tales.
“Snakes feed upon a range of smaller sized animals like birds, mice, and even other reptiles. The main point which brings in snakes to homes is rodents. Snakes are drawn in to locations where there are a great deal of mice or rats. Bird feeders will likewise bring in snakes as they might look for to feed upon the birds. Water functions or other sources of drinking water will likewise bring in rodents and snakes.
“An excellent way to keep snakes on the borders of a property is to position water meals around the outdoors borders far from the locations you or your animals utilize. That will motivate mice to consume there and the snakes will follow them.
“It is very important to keep your home and property tidy and well kept. Store your food products in closed Tupperware in a cabinet. Keep your rubbish under control, in bags and in bins. Keep your storage locations and garages clear and neat so that rodents do stagnate in seeking to nest or feed. Keep your garden kept and neat and attempt to restrict leaving animal feeds in locations where mice can come for a complimentary meal.
A boomslang. (Photo: Steve Meighan)
“Things like debris and garden decline will end up being perfect nesting areas for rodents and offer shelter for snakes seeking to leave the cold in winter season or heat in summertime; if you leave the doors open, snakes might get in, trying to find shade.
“Snakes are cold-blooded. That suggests they depend upon their environment to manage their temperature level due to the fact that they cannot heat up or cool off the like we do. Temperatures over 40℃ for prolonged durations are deadly to most of snakes due to the fact that they cannot sweat to cool off. They will search for shade which is frequently when they get in homes and structures trying to find a cool location to leave.
“If it occurs that you are challenged by a snake in your home or garage, remain calm. If you have family pets, get them far from the snake. If the snake is outdoors, call your family pets inside and remain 2m to 5m far from the snake. Do not approach the snake or attempt to toss anything at it, or catch or eliminate it.
“Remember, all wildlife is secured in South Africa. Keep your safe range. Try to watch on the snake and call your regional expert snake handler to come and securely move the snake.
“If you or a family pet get bitten by a snake, do not squander at any time on treatments or attempting to get suggestions on Facebook. Get the victim to the closest emergency clinic as quickly as possible. Call ahead to let them understand the circumstance and attempt to keep as calm as you potentially can. Do not attempt to capture the snake. Medical staff will treat your signs.
“Do not cut, tie, squeeze, or put any funny concoctions on the bite. Remove any tight clothing or jewellery and get to an ER as soon as possible. Keep in mind that antivenom (when available) is only used in less than 30% of snake bites. A lot of the time bites can be treated symptomatically.”
A puffadder. (Photo: Steven Meighan)
In the outdoors
Meighan said: “When on walkings or walking on tracks with the dogs, please be practical. Keep your dogs on a leash and don’t go walking in locations that are off-limits to dogs, such as mountain tracks and wilderness locations. Keep the dogs on a leash till you remain in a safe, clear location that is safe for dogs and our wildlife, then let them off to run and play where you can plainly see what is around.
“If you see them chasing after things or sticking their heads into bushes, call them away in case they discover something they will be sorry for smelling.
“During this antivenom shortage crisis, it is important that we remember that snakes are extremely important to us and our environment… the current situation doesn’t mean anyone should panic. We do not have any more snakes or snakebites than we usually get. We need to be extra careful and put common sense and safety first.”
He said that when you come across a snake at your home, “Call an expert handler to move any snake on your property. Do not attempt to make your own strategy to capture or eliminate snakes. That is how bites occur.
“Find out who your local snake catcher is and save their number on your phone. Ask them if they have a call-out fee as we are not funded for what we do. Make sure you have your local emergency numbers on your phone. Save them to speed dial for fast dialling in an emergency,” he said.
A Black Cape Cobra discovered in Cape Town. Snake Catcher Steve Meighan said it is very important to bear in mind that cobras can be found in numerous colours. (Photo: Steve Meighan)
Who to call
In Cape Town, Deep South Reptile Rescue is available 24/7 on 064 681 0779.
To discover a catcher in your location, download the totally free ASI app on your phone from www.africansnakebiteinstitute.co.za. It has an across the country list of catchers in all locations along with functions like snake recognition services.
The NHLS number if a client is having a hard time to obtain antivenom is 071 680 9897.
For snake awareness courses contact Steve Meighan from Deep South Reptile Rescue on 064 681 0779 (Western Cape) or Arno Naude from Snakebite Assist on 083 739 9303. DM/MC
