SNAKEBITE IN HERPETOLOGISTS

Objectives: To define the risk of snake envenomation in herpetologists , assess factors which lead to their being bitten, assess their occupa tional morbidity and propose preventive stratagems. Subjects and desig n: Interview of 14 of the most experienced professional herpetologists in Queensland; and questionnaire to 14 members of the Cape York Penin sula Herpetological Society, Cairns, Queensland. Results: The 28 herpe tologists had sustained 119 bites by potentially dangerous species, an d hundreds of clinically insignificant bites. Seventeen had been admit ted to hospital. Only five had never been bitten by a medically danger ous snake and 14 had been bitten on two or more occasions. Correct fir st-aid techniques were applied in less than half the bites. Two had pe rmanent morbidity - renal damage, and permanent tissue damage to the h ands. Anaphylactic reactions from the repeated use of antivenom did no t occur. The experienced herpetologists sustained a Life-threatening b ite every 10 years (median). Four herpetologists had been bitten by th e western taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), the world's most venomous snake. Conclusions: Herpetologists working with highly venomous snake s are at high risk. Prevention involves recognising the risk; possessi ng a first-aid certificate; applying standard first-aid if a bite is s ustained; carrying a mobile telephone; and not working alone.