IRRI acquires antivenin

Venom extraction from the Philippine Cobra (Naja philippinensis).
(Photo courtesy of RITM)

IRRI has acquired antivenin from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) on 26 June 2012, after hosting the Snake Bite Medical Management Training of the Joint IRRI-UPLB Management Committee on 20 June.

The recently conducted training and the acquisition of antivenin are significant improvements to the Institute’s emergency response capability to snake bite incidents.

The administration of antivenin requires medical evaluation by physicians, as antivenin could adversely affect the health and survival of a bite victim if improperly administered.

The Institute has also acquired snake-handling tools and personal protective equipment.