Karnataka Pioneers India's First State Action Plan for Snakebite Prevention and Control
In a landmark move for public health, Karnataka has become the first state in India to launch a State Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (SAPSE). Announced on Friday, this initiative marks a significant expansion beyond the traditional focus on the 'big four' venomous snakes—the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper, and saw-scaled viper.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Snakebite Management
The SAPSE plan acknowledges that at least three additional medically significant snake species contribute to deaths and disabilities in the state, highlighting the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach. It calls for venom characterisation studies across different species and regions to address major knowledge gaps in epidemiology, geographic venom variation, and species identification.
This includes sampling venoms and conducting pre-clinical in-vitro and in-vivo assessments to test the neutralising efficacy of existing antivenoms, which are believed to be less effective against certain species in specific areas.
Snakebite as a Serious Public Health Issue
Snakebite remains a critical public health concern in Karnataka, with over 20,000 cases and 157 deaths reported in 2025—the highest in recent years. Following the declaration of snakebite as a notifiable disease in 2024 and the introduction of cashless treatment under the Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (ABArK) scheme, the state has now proposed establishing a snakebite surveillance and research cell.
This cell aims to strengthen data collection and policy responses, alongside community awareness initiatives leveraging technology to educate the public on prevention and first aid measures.
Integrated One Health Approach with Rabies Elimination
Alongside SAPSE, Karnataka has reiterated its commitment to adopting the One Health approach, a collaborative, multi-sectoral, and transdisciplinary strategy. As part of this, the government released its State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination (SAPRE), aligned with the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), with the goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies by 2030.
This dual focus on snakebite and rabies underscores the state's proactive stance in tackling zoonotic diseases through integrated public health policies.
Recent Snakebite Statistics in Karnataka
The severity of the snakebite issue is reflected in recent data from the Health Department:
- 2026 (until February 22): 1,785 cases, 17 deaths
- 2025: 20,634 cases, 157 deaths
- 2024: 13,102 cases, 98 deaths
- 2023: 6,595 cases, 19 deaths
These figures highlight the escalating nature of the problem and the necessity for the newly launched action plans to mitigate risks and save lives across the state.
