The massive flooding in Plateau have washed snakes from far distances into farms and residences in Pankshin/Kanke/Kannam Federal Constituency, according to Timothy Golu.

Mr. Golu, who represents the area in the House of Representatives, told the News Agency of Nigeria, in Jos on Sunday that “all manner of snakes” had taken over his constituency.

“The floods have pushed snakes into my constituency. They move around openly and snake bites have become very common there.

“As the waters pushed them, some snakes climbed trees; others entered holes while some just held unto any straw . All of them later descended into residences and farms where they have been wreaking havoc,” [/b]he said.

He said that the commonest species were[b] black mamba [/b]and [b]carpet viper. (Hey Oghene me! bikOo!)

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a venomous snake endemic to sub-Saharan Africa. It takes its common name not from the colour of its scales, but from the interior of its mouth, which is inky-black. The venom of the black mamba is highly toxic, potentially causing collapse in humans within 45 minutes or less. Without effective antivenom therapy, death typically occurs in 7–15 hours.

The carpet viper, also known as Echis is a genus of venomous vipers found in the dry regions of Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. They have a characteristic threat display, rubbing sections of their body together to produce a "sizzling" warning sound.[3] The name Echis is a Greek word for "viper." The venom of Echis species consists mostly of hemotoxin. The genus is recognized as medically significant in many tropical rural areas. They are widespread and live in areas lacking modern medical facilities. Most victims are bitten after dark when these snakes are active. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echis.../Black_mamba).

He said that the people used to travel to a snake clinic in Zamko, in Langtang Local Government, but there were no more drugs in the facility.

“The drugs are very expensive and purchasing them had been difficult for the proprietor of the clinic because it was always difficult or out rightly impossible for the patients to pay,” he said.

Mr. Golu advised the federal and state governments to take over the production of local drugs to help the generally rural populace that had been the victims of the menace.

He said that farmers were being advised to use hand gloves and rain boots at the farms to minimise the effect of such bites, but lamented that many hardly heed the counsel.

The lawmaker said that some of the victims had often preferred orthodox therapy, but observed that such therapy had its side effects, with some victims succeeding and surviving, while others die.

Mr. Golu asked the federal government to resuscitate the production of anti-snake venom, so as to ensure massive quantities that would be accessible and available to the people.

“The best step will be to get the snakes’ poison from the affected areas, so that the anti-snake venom will work effectively,” he said.

He called for concerted efforts to rid the society of the reptiles.


http://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/north-central/191010-floods-wash-snakes-into-plateau-community.html