The exotic pet craze is fuelling soaring numbers of snakebites recorded in the UK, according to new research. In just over a decade, 321 cases involving 68 different species were registered by the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS).
They included 72 under-18s - of whom 13 were just five-years-old or younger. Nine patients were bitten twice - and one three times. Of those bitten, 15 had severe symptoms.
Tragic Luke Yeomans, 47, died in June 2011 after being attacked by a king cobra at his home in Nottingham. The conservationist had previously survived a bite from an eastern green mamba - and had been due to open a sanctuary to save snakes from extinction.
Co-author Professor David Warrell, of the University of Oxford, said: "Our results show an overall increase in the number of exotic snakebites reported to the NPIS compared to previous figures. Most of these bites occur to fingers, hands and wrists following deliberate handling interaction by people who keep snakes as part of their occupation or hobby.
"While ownership of many poisonous species requires a special licence in the UK, it is recognised some individuals may keep these snakes illegally – meaning the true numbers of exotic snakebite injuries may be underestimated." At least 125,000 people worldwide are killed each year by snake bites - but the real figure could be much higher, as some countries don't keep accurate records.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has added 'snakebite' to its list of neglected tropical diseases. Prof Warrell and colleagues analysed an audit of enquiries registered by the NPIS between 2009 and 2020 by experts from leading institutions across the UK.
WHO considers more than 250 species of poisonous snake as medically important – most native to Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania. But the possibility of encountering these dangerous species is no longer limited by geography.
In recent years, snake ownership has increased in popularity in the UK. It is estimated that around one in 100 households now own a pet snake.
Lead author Pardeep Jagpal, from the NPIS' Birmingham Unit, said: "The prospect of being bitten by an exotic non-native snake in the UK is still remote, with bites typically occurring in those keeping such snakes as part of their occupation or hobby. Rapid access to expert clinical advice and the availability of appropriate anti-venom are important considerations when these accidents occur."
Advice to NHS healthcare professionals on managing exotic snakebites is available in the UK on a 24-hour basis through the NPIS. The authors examined all phone calls involving snakebites that were received by the service between January 2009 and December 2020.
They excluded enquiries about the European adder – the only species of poisonous snake native to the UK – or where the identity of the snake was unknown. Around two thirds (207) occurred in males – and a fifth (22.5%) in children. Almost six in ten (184) were inflicted by snakes of the family Colubridae.
These include hognose snakes, king snakes and false water cobras. Almost 10% (30) were by Viperidae species, including western diamondback rattlesnakes and copperheads.
Fewer than one in 20 (14) were by Elapidae species - most commonly Indian cobras, monocled cobras and king cobras. Most snakebites resulted in either no or mild to moderate symptoms.
All serious cases were caused by front-fanged Viperidae or Elapidae. In total, 17 people received antivenom treatment. Snake venom is a white or yellow-coloured liquid which is produced in glands behind the snake's eyes.
It is pumped down a duct to the fangs when it bites down on something or someone. They act like a hypodermic needle, injecting the venom quickly and efficiently into the unsuspecting victim.
Snakes with fangs at the front of their mouths are most dangerous - such as the cobra, puff adder, viper, rattlesnake and mamba, for example. Antivenoms are usually only effective against bites from the species of snake providing the venom for its manufacture.
Snakes get closer to humans and cause more damage and more deaths than any other venomous animal, including spiders, scorpions and jellyfish. That's because venomous snakes are found across large swathes of the planet, typically in rural, tropical areas, like sub-Saharan Africa and south-east Asia.
But they also live in Australia and North America. Snake venom is made up of several hundred proteins which all have a slightly different toxic effect on the human body.
Each year, up to five million people worldwide are estimated to be bitten by snakes, with 400,000 left disabled or disfigured by their injuries, on top of those who die. There are plenty of myths about how to deal with being bitten by a snake.
There is no evidence sucking out venom from a snakebite with the mouth or using any other suction device helps. In fact, experts say it could hasten the venom's passage into the bloodstream.
Cutting out the venom is not recommended either because it could make the wound much worse. The study was published in the journal Clinical Toxicology.
