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SAVP antivenom shortage and alternative Antivenom for South Africa
Tuesday 19 November 2024 @ 19:30 - 21:00
Subject: SAVP antivenom shortage and alternative Antivenom for South Africa
Speakers: Mike Perry
Sponsor and Organizer: Biofarm and Savetcon
Event Link:Â REGISTER HERE
African Reptiles and Venom is the contracted supplier of snake venoms to the South African Vaccine Producers (Pty) LTD. (SAVP) a subsidiary of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). SAVP uses these venoms for the manufacture of their polyvalent (SAIMR) antivenom. As snake venom is prone to attack from bacteria, great care is taken to keep the venom free from contaminants.
About our speaker
Mike Perry
Mike Perry became interested in snakes in 1963 and two years later at the age of 10 he started catching snakes. Out of curiosity, he accomplished his first milking of a Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus). In 1967 and during 1970 he milked and supplied 15 grams Rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus) venom for a local snake park that received an order from Germany. Although Mike’s main interest is venomous snakes with a particular interest in Mambas, he also has an interest in other snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises and frogs. Mike has also investigated and has extensive experience in crocodile farming. Mike is involved in local herpetological associations to promote and maintain contact and goodwill between conservation authorities and amateur herpetologists. The need for this arose when during 1983 the first legislation was introduced in the (then) Transvaal province of South Africa, to protect reptiles.
