|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||
Prevention
| Snakes are commonly found near human habitations. Preventive measures, taken by persons likely to come in contact with snakes, will reduce the incidence of snake-bite in this country. The following measures are recommended. |  |
1. Most snake-bites are on the legs. Protect the legs and feet by wearing shoes or boots, and ankle length garments when walking in areas where snakes are likely to be found. These areas include land covered by tall grass or dense undergrowth, jungle paths, and agricultural lands particularly during harvesting and weeding.
2. Carry a stick when walking in snake infested sites, and use it to beat the grass and undergrowth in your path At night use a torchilght to prevent treding on snakes.
3. Warn snakes of your approach by treading heavily. Snakes are relatively deaf to airborne sounds, but are sensitive to ground vibrations.
4. Do not put your hand into ant-hills, cavities in trees and thick undergrowth and under logs. It is prudent to clear sites likely to be occupied by snakes around human habitations. Destory ant-hills and fill up cavities in trees. .Do not let fallen trees, logs and fierwood lie around. Exercise caution if you have to mave logs,rocks,etc, in the course of your work, as there may be snakes under these.
5. Dispose of garbage and junk regularly, and try to keep your dwelling and surroundings free of rats, mice, frogs, lizards, ect, which attract snakes.
6. Only knowledgeable persons should handle or rear snakes. An apparently dead snake should be handled with great care as it may still be alive, and even when dead, may inflict a reflex bite.