Most of the snake bite cases in West Bengal have been due to Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus). Its venom consists mostly of powerful neurotoxins, which induce muscle paralysis. Other venomous snake bites are from Russel's Viper (Haemotoxic) and Cobra (Neurotoxic) both monocled (Nana Kouthia) and spectacled (Naja Naja). Saw-scaled Viper is not found in the state.
Previously Anti Snake Venom Serum (ASVS) was produced in Kolkata, now production is suspended for quite some time
and ASVS is being procured from South India.
The major problem is that ASVS produced from venom of Spectacled Cobra of South India is not that effective to neutralise venom of Monocled Cobra (though both are neurotoxic) and the same problem arising in respect of Common Krait also.
Toxicity of venom of the same species of venomous snake varies with the place of inhabitance. The effectiveness of ASVS can be improved if the venom extraction and processing centres are located at a distance of say, 500 - 800 km. This will save lives of a few thousand people in India per year.
Kind regards,
SaktiWild
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