Save Lives of Snakebite Victims in Rural India

Snake fatalities in India remain a critical issue, impacting both human and wildlife populations. Home to a rich variety of snake species, including the venomous Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper (the "Big Four"), India sees around 50,000 snakebite-related deaths annually—representing a significant portion of global fatalities. Factors such as densely populated rural areas, where farming activities bring people into close contact with snakes, and limited access to timely medical care contribute to these high numbers.

In September, a SARPA (Snake Awareness, Rescue, and Protection App) volunteer in Trivandrum, Kerala, was bitten by a cobra while releasing it in Kallar Forest. Experts note that this is a season when the “Big Four” tend to venture out from their burrows. Additionally, climate change is impacting snakes' life cycles, with highly venomous species now laying eggs earlier. In response, TIES, in partnership with the Kerala State Forest and Wildlife Department, is distributing snake rescue kits to certified rescuers throughout Kerala. Recently, 26 snake rescue kits were provided to certified rescuers in Alappuzha and Idukki districts.

In the past six months, SARPA Volunteers have rescued nearly 500 snakes across Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki, safeguarding over 2,000 residents. Notable rescues include a cobra discovered under a sofa and another from a kitchen late at night in Kottayam, and a venomous hump-nosed pit viper safely removed in Chirakkadavu. Volunteers have also freed snakes trapped in nets. Local residents are increasingly involved, contacting rescuers even for non-venomous snakes. Frequent hiding spots for snakes include kitchens, sofas, helmets, open wells, wall shelves, cupboards, and nets. Volunteers also provide safety guidance to the community when handling issues arise.

A recent experience shared by a volunteer highlights the challenges of snake identification:

“Today, we encountered a large spectacled cobra with faint markings. People initially thought it was a rat snake and tried to chase it away. Only after safely handling it and revealing its hood did they believe it was a cobra. Some snakes have slight variations, and attempting to handle them without training or proper identification can be dangerous.”

Snakes play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem balance as symbols of resilience and transformation. Protecting them is, ultimately, a way of protecting ourselves.

We invite you to join us in this unique conservation effort.

In rural India, where 90% of the population comprises tribal communities primarily engaged in farming, fatal encounters with snakes are alarmingly common. These communities live and work in close proximity to agricultural lands, forests, and areas where snakes are prevalent, increasing their risk of snakebites.

The lack of proper infrastructure in local hospitals exacerbates the issue of snakebites, as many are either understocked with anti-snake venom (ASV) or lack personnel trained to handle snakebite cases effectively. This results in preventable fatalities and severe complications among snakebite victims.

The primary objective of this project is to ensure that hospitals, especially in rural and tribal areas, are always equipped with ASV to treat snakebite victims promptly. Additionally, hospitals will be supplied with essential medical supplies and life-support equipment to manage not only the immediate effects of envenomation but also any complications that may arise during treatment.

Recently, TIES, as part of the project, delivered 100 vials of ASV (Combipack of Snake Venom Anti Serum with Sterile Water for injection) to Anjali Health Centre. Located in Pithora, Anjali Health Centre is a small primary-level hospital supporting over 6,000 economically vulnerable tribal families. These hospitals treat more than 200 snakebite patients every year.

ASV Efficacy and Administration

The ASV provided is also effective against bites caused by:

1. Indian Cobra (Naja naja)
2. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
3. Russell’s Viper (Vipera russellii)
4. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

Polyvalent Snake Venom Antiserum is administered by slow intravenous infusion after dilution with normal/glucose saline at a rate of 5-10 ml/kg body weight per hour. Further dosing after one hour of antiserum administration depends on: The extent of reversal of coagulopathy in hemorrhagic bites and persistence of symptoms or lack of reversal of paralysis/respiratory failure in neurotoxic bites

1 ml of Snake Venom Antiserum neutralizes not less than:

• 0.6 mg of Indian Cobra venom
• 0.45 mg of Common Krait venom
• 0.6 mg of Russell's Viper venom
• 0.45 mg of Saw-Scaled Viper venom

This initiative aims to significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with snakebites in rural and tribal areas of India. By ensuring a steady supply of ASV and equipping hospitals with necessary medical supplies, we can save countless lives and improve the overall health and safety of these vulnerable communities.

We invite you to join us in this distinctive and life-saving project.