TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A snake-breeding center in Taipei houses 121 venomous snakes, making it a key site for supplying antivenom across Taiwan, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Cheng Ya-fen (鄭雅芬), head of the CDC’s Vaccine Development Division, said the center has a four-person team that raises snakes, cares for them, and extracts venom. The team also produces antivenom and provides it to major hospitals across Taiwan, ensuring the country’s supply remains uninterrupted, per CNA.
Taiwan’s warm, humid climate and mountainous terrain with streams provide an ideal habitat for snakes, Cheng said. She added that the most effective treatment for venomous snakebites is the administration of antivenom.
The center houses six of Taiwan’s most common venomous snake species, with 36 Taiwan habu accounting for the largest number. It has three breeding rooms with controlled temperature and humidity, keeping humidity above 50% and temperatures between 22 C and 28 C.
The facility provides special bedding, hiding spots and dim lighting to mimic the snakes’ natural environment. Coconut fiber mats are used in the enclosures to help the snakes shed their skin more easily.
Cheng said some of the snakes were captured by animal protection authorities. Upon arrival, they undergo a 90-day quarantine and health check before being implanted with a microchip and treated for parasites.
“The most critical step in making antivenom is collecting the venom,” Cheng said. Veterinarians first check a snake’s health, and only healthy snakes are used. Staff then allow the snake to bite a wax-covered container and press its venom glands to release the venom.
Cheng also explained how the center deals with snake deaths. Veterinarians perform autopsies to determine the cause, and the bodies are cremated.
She added that the center previously struggled to keep Russell’s vipers healthy due to inadequate temperature and humidity control. After collaborating with National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, it established improved care methods.
Cheng urged anyone bitten by a snake to note its appearance and quickly remove jewelry or watches. She also warned against applying ice or attempting to suck out the venom, which can worsen the injury.
