Fri, September 26, 2008
A snake farm in Bolivia milks pit vipers for venom used in homeopathic medicines.
Some 100 snakes of three different species live on the Amazon lowlands reserve, about 25 miles (40 kms) outside of Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
From these lush Bolivian jungles, an unusual product finds it way south to neighboring Argentina -- snake venom, to be used in Homeopathic medicine.
This remote snake farm is home to about a 100 snakes -- all coiled up in a fenced area.
Its Italian owner Antonio Bonaso started the farm with his partner 20 years ago.
Three to four times a year, Bonaso and his staff extract venom and bottle it --to sell to an Argentinian company that makes homeopathic medicines.
The only venom sold on this farm comes from the Lachesis Muta, a large pit viper.
The farm markets just 15-20 grams of venom -- a small, but potent yield, used to fight diseases.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) CO-OWNER OF RESERVE ANTONIO BONASO SAYING:
"The venom we are extracting here -- especially Lachesis Muta venom, which is the only one we sell -- is sold to the Argentinian company that makes homeopathic remedies. It's a stimulant for the immune system and is going to help fight against cancer and Aids."
Its a tough job -- the workers say they trust the snakes, but they wear thick rubber boots and use a stick to handle the slithering creatures ... just in case ...
And as for these hardworking snakes--with their job done -- its feeding time ...
Then a little rest in the sun ... till duty calls again.
(Source: Reuters)
