Vaal Herpetological Association

24/03/2026

09/03/2026

🐍 Can You Identify a Boomslang Before It’s Too Late?

The Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) is one of the most medically significant snakes in Africa.

Drop for drop, its venom is extremely potent, but the danger lies in something many people don’t expect…

Symptoms can take hours to appear. Which means many victims think they’re fine and delay treatment. Correct identification between a Boomslang and a non-venomous green or brown snake can literally save a life.

Here are a few key identification features:

✔️ Large eyes (biggest eye-to-head ratio of any Southern African snake)
✔️ Keeled scales giving the body a rough texture
✔️ Males often bright green with black markings
✔️ Females typically brown or olive
✔️ Mostly arboreal and active during the day

Because Boomslang bites can initially appear harmless, recognition of the species is critical for proper medical management.

In this article we break down:

• How to identify Boomslang correctly
• What symptoms to expect after a bite
• The correct prehospital treatment protocol

📖 Read the full protocol here: https://accesspd.co.za/blog/prehospital-snakebite-protocol-boomslang

17/02/2026

🐍 ANTIVENOM UPDATE – SAVP CONFIRMS NEW RELEASE DATES

We’ve received the latest official update from the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) regarding the availability of antivenom in South Africa.

This is important information for medical professionals, emergency services, and anyone working or living in high snakebite risk areas.

Here’s the current status:

✅ Polyvalent Antivenom – 520 units
📅 Expected release: 20 February 2026

🕷️ Spider Antivenom – 217 units
📅 Expected release: 20 February 2026

🐍 Echis Antivenom – 190 ampoules
📦 Currently available

🦂 Scorpion Antivenom
📅 Expected release: 30 March 2026

🐍 Boomslang Antivenom
📅 Expected release: 30 March 2026

Polyvalent antivenom is used to treat bites from several of the medically important snake species found in South Africa. Its availability is critical, particularly for hospitals and EMS operating in rural and high-risk areas.

It’s encouraging to see new batches being released, and we hope this will help improve access to treatment where it’s needed.

We’ll continue sharing updates as we receive them.

15/12/2025

🐍 ANTIVENOM UPDATE – GOOD NEWS FROM SAVP!

We're excited to share that the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP) has released new batches of life-saving antivenoms, a major step forward in resolving the shortage experienced across South Africa this year.

✅ Polyvalent Antivenom – 1400 units released (12 Dec 2025)
✅ Scorpion Antivenom – 578 units released (10 Dec 2025)
🕷️ Spider Antivenom – Expected: 30 Jan 2026
🐍 Echis Antivenom – Expected: 15 Jan 2026
🐍 Boomslang Antivenom – Expected: 15 Feb 2026
(31 units available now for emergencies – expires Feb 2026)

This update comes at a critical time as many South Africans travel or spend time outdoors over the holiday season. While Pannaf has been a reliable alternative, the return of SAVP-produced antivenom is a major boost to preparedness and safety nationwide.

👉 Please stay alert and snake-safe this festive season.
If you're in rural or high-risk areas, make sure you're trained, prepared, and know who to contact in case of an emergency.

📢 From all of us, stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy the holidays responsibly!

03/11/2025

Fear vs Preparedness - The Real Test During a Snake Encounter

When a snake appears on-site, fear is natural, but panic is preventable. Our Level 1 Snake Course transforms uncertainty into confidence by teaching your staff how to react safely, calmly, and effectively during a snake encounter. Because when it comes to workplace safety, preparedness saves lives.

👉 Read how snake awareness training changes everything: https://accesspd.co.za/blog/ensuring-staff-preparedness-when-faced-with-a-snake

08/10/2025

Are Your Workers Ready for a Snakebite Emergency?

Would your team know what to do if someone was bitten by a Puff Adder or a Mozambique Spitting Cobra?
Panic, myths, and misinformation can turn a manageable incident into a fatal one.

Discover how to protect your workforce with proper snakebite first aid, emergency kits, and mock scenario training designed for real-world risks.

Read our step-by-step article on How to Prepare for a Snakebite in the Workplace and take control of your site’s emergency readiness.
👉 https://accesspd.co.za/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-snakebite-in-the-workplace

08/10/2025

Preparation Saves Lives 🐍

A snakebite can change everything in seconds. From mining to construction and agriculture, many South African worksites face real risks from venomous snakes, yet few are truly prepared to respond.

Our latest article, “How to Prepare for a Snakebite in the Workplace,” explains how proactive preparation saves lives through the right first aid training, equipment, and OHS compliance.

⚕️ Don’t wait for an incident to expose the gap.
👉 https://accesspd.co.za/blog/how-to-prepare-for-a-snakebite-in-the-workplace

22/09/2025

The Spring Wake-Up Call!

🌱🐍 As the weather warms up in South Africa, snakes wake up too.
Spring means more than flowers and sunshine, it means a surge in snake encounters at worksites.

From construction yards to farms, snakes emerge in search of food, water, and mates, often crossing paths with employees.

🔗 Learn why spring is the most dangerous season for snake activity and how to protect your workforce here: https://accesspd.co.za/blog/why-spring-increases-snake-encounters-in-the-workplace

👉 Share this post with your team to spread awareness before the season catches you off guard.

12/09/2025

Myth Busting Snake First Aid

🚫🐍 Snakebite Myths That Can Kill
❌ Cutting and sucking venom out – doesn’t work, increases infection.
❌ Tight tourniquets – can cost limbs.
❌ Killing the snake for ID – unnecessary and dangerous.

✅ Correct response: Stay calm, immobilise, get to hospital.

👉 Read our Middelburg Spring Snake Awareness Guide for the truth about snake safety:
🔗 Read the Guide