Chrisian,

I support anybody who is willing to learn more about venomous reptiles. If you are wanting to do venom extractions for fun, or pure enjoyment, I wonder if you mean just discarding the venom wastefully or attempting to conduct any kind of independent biologic studies.If it is the former, don't do it. If the reason is the latter, then learn all you can from those who whave been in this practice(again not to discourage your learning but I don't know who would be willing to mentor such a risky endeavor) and learn by trial and error. Now, I agree with the statement that to conduct actual venom studies you have to be an MD working with a known laboratory. As far as extractions and supplying various freeze dried sterile venoms to established research facilities, this can be done. I'm not saying that it can be done overnight before I get flamed here, but all of the big names currently doing venom extractions all got their start somewhere and have primarily learned from their own experience.There are procedures to follow however, and yes it will take thousands of dollars,100s of animals,and many,many years to build your reputation. And...you will get bit. Everybody who does extractions does. I don't agree with the statement that there is not a need for more venom for antivenom production,etc. Case in point: Almost out of Coral Snake Antivenom from Wyeth! I know that there are foreign manufacturer's of S. American Coral Snake Antivenom, but still...

Drew.

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