Venomous snakebites in an urban area: what are the possibilities?

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2000

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of different species of venomous snakes privately kept in a large urban area.

METHODS: An anonymous survey of potential snake owners in the Philadelphia urban and suburban area. The survey was mailed to members of the Philadelphia Herpetological Society. In addition, the survey was published in 2 herpetological newsletters and online in the Herpetology Network.

RESULTS: One hundred sixty responses were obtained during a 6-month period. Ownership of 74 different varieties of venomous snakes was reported. Antivenin was not locally available for 13 of these species.

CONCLUSION: A wide variety of venomous captive snakes can be found in the private sector. The potential for having to treat an envenomation requires the emergency physician to maintain an education of snakebite management options, including the various antivenin options available in their geographical location.

Volume

11

Issue

3

First Page

168

Last Page

171

ISSN

1080-6032

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

11055562

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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