Pera university launches research: To find anti-venom serums for 3 poisonous snakes

24 March 2017 04:54 am - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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At least 7 species of highly poisonous snakes have been recovered in the country and there are no anti-venom serums found to treat against three of them, Professor of Veterinary Parasitology R. P. V. J. Rajapakse yesterday said.

He said the Peradeniya University has initiated work on finding antiserums for them in Sri Lanka.

Prof. Rajapakse told the Daily Mirror that the cobra (naya), common krait (thel karawala), Sri Lankan krait (mudu karawala), Russell’s viper (thith polaga), saw scale viper (weli polanga), hump nose viper (kunakatuwa) and green pit viper (pala polanga) were the 7 highly venomous snakes.

“Among the seven, there are no antiserums to treat against Sri Lankan krait, hump nose viper and green pit viper. We are importing antiserums from India. But, they do not produce these antiserums because those snakes are not found in India. Usually, we don't produce antiserums in Sri Lanka,” he said.

He said the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and the Medical Faculty of Peradeniya University have launched researches to produce those antiserums. He also said they have planned to collect necessary substances from around 400 highly poisonous snakes from the country to produce them.

“At present, we have collected nearly 90 species. Then, we will send those substances to India to make these antiserums since it will cost a lot of money to do it in Sri Lanka. Around one and a half years will be taken to complete this task,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Ministry of Science, Technology and Research had approved it and had lent a hand in their researches. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

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Comments - 8

rise Friday, 24 March 2017 06:36 AM

do the research the medicine is available in Australia. CSL Limited via DM iOS App

Missaka Friday, 24 March 2017 07:14 AM

PERA university seems started good research programs. GOSL must support this, if not let private companies to fund them.

ANTON Friday, 24 March 2017 07:16 AM

HA HAA WE KNOW VERY WELL WHERE THOSE 03 SNAKES LIVE.......... ANYWAY , IT IS VERY GLAD TO HERE THAT PERA HAS COMMENCED DOING ADVANCED RESEARCH WORK FOCUSING ON TREATMENTS FOR DEADLY DISORDERS, ALL THE BEST DOCS .

aravinda Friday, 24 March 2017 07:42 AM

Trying to invent anti-venom serums is fine. However, If these reptiles are venomous, then we should try to eradicate the problem at source. One solution is to breed more mongoose in the areas these reptiles live.

srilal Friday, 24 March 2017 09:11 AM

If India don't have 3 of these snakes and we have ,then we should start a Antiserum Institute in our country and get the Indian expertise and their money as Aid . A friend of mine was stung by one of the 7 while harvesting the paddy this season , and though immediately dispatched to hospital , died before admission . It is URGENT please .

SL Friday, 24 March 2017 11:41 AM

do you want to kill all snakes? seriously ?

seqi Friday, 24 March 2017 01:17 PM

snakes take care of insects rats and other little vermin better than chemicals......but do need antidotes to their venom. Set up institute here so that best brains remain here. So many laboratory technicians work overseas as there are no opportunities for employment here..sad but true. via DM Android App

Sincere Friday, 24 March 2017 07:20 PM

Ohh Its easy. Come to Diyawanna. You can find enough!

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Pera university launches research: To find anti-venom serums for 3 poisonous snakes

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