Halt in snake antivenom production causes concern

By Annelie Coleman / 4 October 2024 | 7:17 am

The production of snake antivenom in South Africa has seemingly come to a standstill. The situation is dire, as health practitioners and veterinarians, in particular, are finding it impossible to obtain it.

The African Snakebite Institute said that no snake antivenom was being produced in South Africa at the moment by South African Vaccine Producers. Photo: Johan Marais

This has led to the deaths of thousands of dogs, among other issues.

This was according to Johan Marais, CEO of the African Snakebite Institute.

Speaking to Farmer’s Weekly, he said that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), which formed part of the National Health Laboratory Service, had experienced production problems, and over the past few years there had been multiple instances when antivenom was in severely short supply.

“We simply don’t know what is happening at the SAVP, despite ongoing enquiries. It does appear as though the SAVP has no stock and nothing is being produced. Unfortunately, it is not possible to get any answers from SAVP, but in a recent email, they confirmed that they could not supply antivenom at present,” Marais said.

Since 1903, South Africa has been producing its own antivenom, and while the country has faced occasional shortages in the past, these typically lasted only a few weeks. However, the current challenges in production and supply have emerged over the past three years.

An native antivenom called PANAF-Premium was currently being imported under Section 21 of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, and it appeared to be a good native.

But at R2 000 per ampoule, the imported product costs twice as much as the antivenom from SAVP, as it needed to be administered twice.

“Most major hospitals in high-risk areas carry some antivenom, but often have far too little in stock. For a serious snakebite the initial dosage is around six to 12 vials of polyvalent antivenom and additional vials may be required,” said Marais.

According to him, about 4 000 people were bitten by snakes in South Africa every year, mainly between November and April and especially on hot, rainy nights. Snakes are not aggressive and are quick to escape, but many will not hesitate to bite when they feel in danger.