The production of snake anti-venom in South Africa appears to have come to a standstill again, with health practitioners – as well as vets – battling to get their hands on stock.
This has led to the deaths of thousands of dogs, among other issues, according to Johan Marais, CEO of the African Snakebite Institute.
He told Farmer’s Weekly that since the Covid-19 pandemic, South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), which forms part of the National Health Laboratory Service, has had huge production problems, and over the past few years there had been multiple instances when anti-venom was in severely short supply.
“We simply don’t know what is happening at the SAVP, despite ongoing enquiries. It appears there is no stock and that nothing is being produced, but …it is not possible to get any definite answers from SAVP, just a recent email from them confirming they could not supply anti-venom at present.”
South Africa has been producing its own anti-venom since 1903, and while there have been occasional shortages in the past, these usually lasted only a few weeks. The current production and supply issues have been over the past three years.
An alternative anti-venom called PANAF-Premium is being imported under Section 21 of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, and appears to be a good alternative, but at R2 000 per ampoule, costs twice as much as the SAVP product, as it must be administered twice.
“Most major hospitals in high-risk areas carry some anti-venom, but often have far too little in stock. For a serious snakebite the initial dosage is around six to 12 vials of polyvalent anti-venom, and additional vials may be required,” said Marais.
About 4 000 South Africans are bitten by snakes every year, mainly between November and April.
Despite numerous efforts, Farmer’s Weekly was unable to obtain any comment from the SAVP on the matter.
Farmers Weekly article – Halt in snake anti-venom production causes concern (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
SA snakebite anti-venom shortage resolved
Snakebite anti-venom stocks dwindle to ‘almost nothing’
Experts flag shortage of snake anti-venom stocks