However, this type is considered by some in the business to be slightly less effective.Īs soon as the permit arrives we complete the order with the venom lab and arrange a bank transfer for payment.
This type is far more stable and can take somewhat warmer temperatures than the liquid type. The other type is known as lyophilized which is freeze-dried and is then reconstituted in the vial at time of use. This is not something you want to find out when you need it. If a shipment is delayed and the box is left, say, out in the sun on the tarmac or in a hot airport warehouse for too long then its efficacy can be greatly diminished. There are two main types of antivenom: vials containing liquid antivenom, which is rather delicate and requires constant refrigeration. Therefore, we always try to get the freshest batches possible for the longest shelf life. If we order just before a new production run then we could spend a lot of effort and money on antivenom that will expire just a few months after we get it. Some antivenoms are good for only two years. While applying for the import permit we also begin the process of contacting the venom lab to see what antivenoms they have in stock and, critically, what the expiration dates are on the stock we would receive. It requires us to detail what we want and why we want it, provide information regarding what our bite protocol is, how we will be importing it, how we will store it, and how we will dispose of expired antivenoms if we don't use them.
The permit application process can take many months. Orders from separate labs require separate permit applications. The next step is to apply for a US government permit to import a specific venom lab's antivenoms, the specific types being requested and quantities of each. They’re imported from all over the world and they could bring disease with them," said Major Bowlin.Īccording to the Wildlife Conservation Society, illicit wildlife trafficking is estimated to be between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year.įWC officials said wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind drugs, weapons and humans in global activity and is often a nexus for other illegal activity.But once you get your IND # you don't just go online and order from Amazon. "These rules are in place for public safety also to protect Florida's ecosystems.
Rhinoceros viper for sale license#
In Florida, a license is required to possess venomous reptiles. The FWC secured search warrants for many of the social media accounts to prove the illegal activity was occurring and identify additional subjects. Once the black-market deals were arranged, violators quickly transitioned to in-person meetings where they arranged to buy or sell potentially deadly species to undercover officers.įWC officials said some of these individuals included wholesale dealers who imported large shipments of nonnative venomous snakes from multiple countries around the world.
"Some of these snakes are among the most dangerous in the world," said Major Bowlin.įWC said a lot of the illegal activity was initiated on specialized websites or closed social media pages. Some of the species included the inland taipan, bushmaster, rhinoceros viper, African bush viper, Gaboon viper, green mamba, eyelash viper, multiple species of spitting cobra, forest cobra, puff adder and saw-scaled vipers. If these illegal and nonnative species were to escape, they could easily live and breed in Florida's subtropical climate. FWC said investigators exchanged nearly 200 snakes consisting of 24 species with wildlife traffickers. In 2020, FWC launched a long-term investigation with undercover investigators to determine the extent of the illegal activity. Many of them causing deaths in many of those countries, especially Africa," said Major Randy Bowlin, FWC DLE Investigations and Intelligence Section Leader. They came from Australia, Asia, Africa, Central and South America. "These snakes came from all over the globe. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said a two-year investigation uncovered an illegal snake trafficking ring in the state of Florida.įWC officials filed charges against eight people ranging from second-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies related to the illegal trafficking of venomous and prohibited snakes.įWC said it received complaints and reports indicating that a black market existed for the sale and purchase of illegal and venomous reptiles in Florida.
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