Snakebite and Wildlife Conflict in Farming Communities

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease killing over 80,000 people annually, with welfare implications for both humans and the snakes persecuted in retaliation.

Key Facts

The WHO estimates 80,000-130,000 people die from snakebite annually, with millions more experiencing disability
Snakebite disproportionately affects agricultural communities in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa
Retaliation killing of snakes - including non-venomous species misidentified as dangerous - kills vast numbers of wildlife
Many snake species provide significant ecosystem services by controlling rodent populations
Antivenom production is declining due to commercial non-viability, leaving rural communities without treatment
Education programs that improve snake identification and bite prevention reduce both human casualties and retaliatory killing

Welfare Considerations

Snakes killed in retaliation for snakebite incidents often die slowly from blunt force trauma, burning, or other methods that do not cause rapid death. Non-venomous species are killed alongside venomous ones due to misidentification. The fear and economic precarity that drives retaliatory killing is understandable, and welfare solutions must address human needs alongside snake welfare. Reducing snakebite incidence through education and treatment access is the most effective way to reduce snake killing.

What You Can Do

Support Partners In Health and similar organizations improving snakebite treatment access in rural areas
Back the WHO snakebite elimination program with advocacy and donation
Advocate for antivenom production investment by governments and pharmaceutical companies
Support herpetological education programs in snakebite-affected communities
Donate to snake conservation organizations working in high-snakebite-burden countries