Traditional Wisdom and Modern Needs: Ethnoveterinary Approaches to Snakebite Management in Livestock

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation remains a critical public and veterinary health concern, particularly in rural and agrarian communities of developing countries. Each year, millions of humans and animals fall victim to venomous snakebites, with livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, and working animals like oxen and horses at considerable risk due to their constant exposure to snake prone environments like fields and forests. Through a review of published articles following the procedure of systematic literature screening and analysis, the result of the reviews showed that several plants are used in treating snakebites. Several plant families are known for containing species traditionally used to treat snakebites which includes Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Asteraceae, Amaryllidaceae, Solanaceae, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae etc. These plant species are used either orally or externally. Furthermore, clinical signs following snakebites are varied, such as vomiting, ptyalism, anorexia, bleeding at bite site, local tissue damage. In addition, the snakebite in animals causes an emotional distress for animal keepers, especially when the animals suffer or dies suddenly. The cost of treatment is high and is needed urgently, which places economic burden on the farmers. Promoting research into these traditional practices can offer sustainable solutions to snakebite management in regions where conventional treatment is out of reach.