Epidemiological analysis of snakebites and faunal assessment of venomous and semi-venomous snakes in Fars Province (Southern Iran)

Paksa, Azim; Bakhish, Ali; Vahedi, Mozaffar; Azizi, Kourosh; Soltani, Aboozar; Gheibi, Zahra; Rahimi, Ebrahim; Rezaei, Ahmad Reza; Shahabi, Saeed

doi:10.22092/ari.2025.369819.3831

Epidemiological analysis of snakebites and faunal assessment of venomous and semi-venomous snakes in Fars Province (Southern Iran)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

² Student Research Committee, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

³ Department of Biology and Control of Disease Vectors, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

⁴ Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

⁵ Department of Public Health, Mamasani Higher Education Complex for Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

⁶ Shiraz university of medical science, Health Minister center for disease control and prevention ward, over expert CDC.

10.22092/ari.2025.369819.3831

Abstract

Snakebites are a major global health challenge, especially in underdeveloped countries. According to a report by the Vice Chancellor of Health at Shiraz University, snakebites are a health problem in Fars Province. This study aimed to assess the species composition of venomous and semi-venomous snakes caught over a year in Shiraz and to analyze the epidemiological data of snakebites in the region from 2016 to 2023 in Fars Province. Snakes were caught with the help of firefighters and environmentalists from different areas in and around Shiraz, and with the permission of the Environment Organization. The caught specimens were then transferred to the entomology and zoology laboratory. The snake specimens were identified to the species level by examining taxonomic indicators and using valid diagnostic keys. In addition, snakebite statistics during these years were collected from the Health Office of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and were statistically analyzed. The results showed that out of a total of 12 snakes caught in Shiraz in one year, two were semi-venomous Telescopus tessellatus, seven were venomous Macrovipera razii, and three were Pseudocerastes persicus. Furthermore, the study showed that between 2016 and 2023, a total of 3,958 individuals fell victim to snakebites, and snakebites were more common among men than women; most bites occurred on the hands or feet. In addition, snakebites were more common in rural areas than urban areas. Agricultural activities and poor housing conditions in villages increase the risk of snakebite exposure. Implementing preventive measures and improving treatment options can help reduce the burden of snakebite in Fars Province, ultimately saving lives and improving public health.

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