19/05/14

Milking venomous snakes in Thailand

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<div class="article-wrap">
<div id="article-introduction">
<h1>Milking venomous snakes in Thailand</h1>
<h4></h4>
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<div id="article-body">
<p><div class="article-img-gallery" id="image-gallery"><div class="owl-carousel"><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='
	Albino monocellate
An albino monocellate or monocled cobra. These snakes have a powerful venom 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='
	Albino monocellate
An albino monocellate or monocled cobra. These snakes have a powerful venom 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='
	Albino monocellate
An albino monocellate or monocled cobra. These snakes have a powerful venom 
'></noscript></noscript><h4>
	Albino monocellate</h4>
<p>An albino monocellate or monocled cobra. These snakes have a powerful venom </p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Red-tailed green rat snakes are not venomous
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Red-tailed green rat snakes are not venomous
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Red-tailed green rat snakes are not venomous
'></noscript></noscript><p>Red-tailed green rat snakes are not venomous</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The bite of a Siamese cobra can be fatal
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The bite of a Siamese cobra can be fatal
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/03snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The bite of a Siamese cobra can be fatal
'></noscript></noscript><p>The bite of a Siamese cobra can be fatal</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Extracting venom from a Siamese cobra
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Extracting venom from a Siamese cobra
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Extracting venom from a Siamese cobra
'></noscript></noscript><p>Extracting venom from a Siamese cobra</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The process of extracting venom is called ‘milking’
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The process of extracting venom is called ‘milking’
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The process of extracting venom is called ‘milking’
'></noscript></noscript><p>The process of extracting venom is called ‘milking’</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='This venom will be used to produce antivenom to treat snake bites
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='This venom will be used to produce antivenom to treat snake bites
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='This venom will be used to produce antivenom to treat snake bites
'></noscript></noscript><p>This venom will be used to produce antivenom to treat snake bites</p>
<p><em></em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Banded rat snakes in the outdoor serpentarium
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Banded rat snakes in the outdoor serpentarium
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Banded rat snakes in the outdoor serpentarium
'></noscript></noscript><p>Banded rat snakes in the outdoor serpentarium</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='
	Reticulated Python
The skeleton of a reticulated python, the world’s longest snake species 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='
	Reticulated Python
The skeleton of a reticulated python, the world’s longest snake species 
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/08snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='
	Reticulated Python
The skeleton of a reticulated python, the world’s longest snake species 
'></noscript></noscript><h4>
	Reticulated Python</h4>
<p>The skeleton of a reticulated python, the world’s longest snake species </p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/09snake_farm_1_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The skull of the venomous Siamese Russell’s viper
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/09snake_farm_1_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The skull of the venomous Siamese Russell’s viper
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/09snake_farm_1_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The skull of the venomous Siamese Russell’s viper
'></noscript></noscript><p>The skull of the venomous Siamese Russell’s viper</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/10snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Preserved snakes in the snake farm’s exhibition area
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/10snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Preserved snakes in the snake farm’s exhibition area
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/10snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Preserved snakes in the snake farm’s exhibition area
'></noscript></noscript><p>Preserved snakes in the snake farm’s exhibition area</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/11snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Visitors can watch venom extractions
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/11snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Visitors can watch venom extractions
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/11snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='Visitors can watch venom extractions
'></noscript></noscript><p>Visitors can watch venom extractions</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/12snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The snake farm’s permanent exhibition
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/12snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The snake farm’s permanent exhibition
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/12snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The snake farm’s permanent exhibition
'></noscript></noscript><p>The snake farm’s permanent exhibition</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div><div><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/13snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The indoor serpentarium
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img data-src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/13snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The indoor serpentarium
' src='data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==' class='lazyload'><noscript><img src='https://www.scidev.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/13snake_farm_fileminimizer_.jpg' alt='The indoor serpentarium
'></noscript></noscript><p>The indoor serpentarium</p>
<p><em>Paola Di Bella</em></p></div></div></div><br />
There are more than 190 species of snakes in Thailand, of which 61 are venomous. The snake farm within the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute in Bangkok produces antivenom that can be used to neutralise bites. This is done by extracting snake venom, injecting it into horses and harvesting the antibodies the animals produce in response.<br />
 <br />
Founded in 1923, the snake farm hosts 35 species of snake, both venomous and non-venomous. Today, it also aims to inform the general public, school pupils, university students and other organisations about snakes. The farm includes a museum, a permanent exhibition and an indoor and outdoor serpentarium.<br />
 </p>

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<p>This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.scidev.net" target="_blank">SciDev.Net</a>. Read the <a href="https://www.scidev.net/global/multimedia/milking-venomous-snakes-thailand/" target="_blank">original article</a>.</p>
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Albino monocellate

An albino monocellate or monocled cobra. These snakes have a powerful venom

Paola Di Bella

Red-tailed green rat snakes are not venomous

Paola Di Bella

The bite of a Siamese cobra can be fatal

Paola Di Bella

Extracting venom from a Siamese cobra

Paola Di Bella

The process of extracting venom is called ‘milking’

Paola Di Bella

This venom will be used to produce antivenom to treat snake bites

Banded rat snakes in the outdoor serpentarium

Paola Di Bella

Reticulated Python

The skeleton of a reticulated python, the world’s longest snake species

Paola Di Bella

The skull of the venomous Siamese Russell’s viper

Paola Di Bella

Preserved snakes in the snake farm’s exhibition area

Paola Di Bella

Visitors can watch venom extractions

Paola Di Bella

The snake farm’s permanent exhibition

Paola Di Bella

The indoor serpentarium

Paola Di Bella

There are more than 190 species of snakes in Thailand, of which 61 are venomous. The snake farm within the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute in Bangkok produces antivenom that can be used to neutralise bites. This is done by extracting snake venom, injecting it into horses and harvesting the antibodies the animals produce in response.

Founded in 1923, the snake farm hosts 35 species of snake, both venomous and non-venomous. Today, it also aims to inform the general public, school pupils, university students and other organisations about snakes. The farm includes a museum, a permanent exhibition and an indoor and outdoor serpentarium.