Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just out of curiousity, does anyone here self-innoculate? If so, for what species? I've heard of a few people that innoculate (besides Haast), but I'm interested to see how common this is in the hobby....

Not to common, b/c it's not for everyone. It can be very dangerous, and the common keeper doesn't need to risk it. I use pure venom for mambas(as well as Bud), so certain things could happen. I've also developed an E protein in addition to a G, which could be a problem, but the G blocks the E. Basically nothing happens when I inject ploy protein, or get bit. Just swelling for one day. I use cobras also, but pure can't be done without a trip to he!!. My doc's presented my case at the ACAAI meeting in Nov, and it should be in the Annals in Jan. All info is from my doc, and that's all I can say at this moment. Stay safe. TF

thanks for the reply Deuce, i was just curious, obviously not every keeper needs to do this, but it is interesting to see what possible medical effects venoms have on the body...i know Haast has reported that he has not been sick a day since he began self innoculating, among other health benefits he attributes to snake venoms...i think he innoculates weekly with 32 different species' venoms...

Neither have I, but that would needed to be studied on the cellular level, w/ pathogens. The key is having liver/kidney assays done to make sure your insides are in order. Beastly blessings, TF

There is an amazing account of Tiger Snake (Notechis) immunuty in "Snakes Alive" by John Cann.
A Snakeman in the 1950s in Australia by name of Charles Tanner gained such a high immunity to Tiger snake venom, that his body could whithstand massive doses of Tiger Snake Venom -quantities much higher than normal LD for human.
Personally I think self innoculation is unwise albeit fascinating.

Please explain your "unwise stance" to me?

Granted, there are potential organ damage issues that must be addressed, but no way do I see SI as "unwise" if it keeps you off your back with a respirator over your face in the event of a bite. My .02.
Bill Huseth
kcf