Karnataka launches state action plan to prevent and control snakebite disease

Bengaluru: Karnataka Friday became the first state in India to launch a state action plan for prevention and control of snakebite envenoming (SAPSE), expanding its focus beyond the traditional ‘big four' snakes — Indian cobra, common krait, Russell's viper and saw-scaled viper. The plan acknowledges that at least three additional medically significant species contribute to snakebite-related deaths and disabilities in the state.
Highlighting major knowledge gaps in epidemiology, geographic venom variation and species identification, the govt called for venom characterisation studies across species and regions. 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 some areas.Snakebite remains a serious public health issue, with over 20,000 cases and 157 deaths reported in Karnataka in 2025 — the highest in recent years. After declaring snakebite a notifiable disease in 2024 and introducing cashless treatment under Ayushman Bharat-Arogya Karnataka (ABArK) scheme, the state has now proposed a snakebite surveillance and research cell to strengthen data and policy response, alongside community awareness initiatives using technology.Rabies plan tooAlongside SAPSE, the state reiterated its commitment to adopting the One Health approach, a collaborative, multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary strategy to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies by 2030. As part of this, the govt also released its state action plan for rabies elimination (SAPRE), aligned with National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP).Number of snake-bite cases in KarnatakaYearSnake bite casesDeaths2026 (until Feb 22)1,78517202520,634157202413,1029820236,59519 Source: Health dept