Bites and stings unpacked at Kloofendal Nature Reserve

World-renowned venom and poison expert Jonathan Leeming led a discussion on bites and stings at the Kloofendal Nature Reserve on March 2.

The talk aimed to educate and spread understanding of venomous animals and their bites and stings.

Various venomous animals and insects are found within the greater Roodepoort area.

Snakes like the Night Adder and Puff Adder, various spiders and other insects, as well as some scorpions commonly occur locally, and contact with some of these animals is inevitable.

Facilitated by Jonathan, Venom Day was a unique opportunity to ask all of those bite and sting-related questions that the audience has always wanted to ask, but never had the opportunity.

Jonathan was joined by Maqshuda Kajee of the South African Snakebite Symposium, a medical professional who is passionate about snakebites in Africa.

Topics included new research and discoveries in the treatment of bites and stings, the biological action of venoms and how different venoms function in different ways, how venoms work in human physiology and the sequence of events leading to symptoms.

Leeming also delved into the challenge of bites and stings within the Southern African context, spider bite first response, snakebite first response, and scorpion sting first response.

Jonathan shared insights into the antivenom crisis in Southern Africa and how it affects us all. Both Jonathan and Maqshuda shared personal communication from antivenom manufacturers, as well as the latest information on a new antivenom that is currently being trialled in Eswatini.

“The event developed into an interesting workshop discussion that addressed concerns and questions of the participants regarding snakebites, spider bites and scorpion stings,” says Jonathan.

According to local herpetologist, Michael Ormond, the talk was fascinating. “It was amazing to hear from two leading experts who are so involved in snake bites, spider bites and scorpion stings. It has created a whole new perspective for me that I never really thought of before.”

Attendees received a Snakebite Flipper Chart which outlines exactly what to do if someone is bitten by a snake.

This flipper chart is available online at www.Scorpions.co.za/snakebite-resources.

The next Venom Day at Kloofendal Nature Reserve is scheduled for October 13.

To register for this event, go to www.Scorpions.co.za/events and click on the registration link.