Antivenom concerns after three dogs die in suspected Simon’s Town snakebites

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Three dogs died from puff adder bites in Simon’s Town in just 10 days, prompting warnings from Cape Town snake rescuers as antivenom stock remains under pressure.

​Cape Town reptile handler Will De Meyer raised the alarm on social media and urged dog owners in the area to be extra vigilant. He confirmed all three dogs had succumbed to their bites.

​Speaking to IOL Media, De Meyer confirmed the first bite occurred on 22 September 2026, the second on 29 September, with the third a couple of days later.

​The owners of the first dog were on their way to a vet in Bellville after failing to secure antivenom at the nearest practice. The dog sadly died before arrival.

​“Puff adders are coming out in numbers around this time of the year,” De Meyer said.

​He said swelling on the face and some bleeding from the gums are usually visible within the first 10 minutes of a bite.

​“Usually dogs have better resistance to snakebite, but these appear to be bitten by larger snakes,” he said.

​De Meyer warned that puff adders can be extremely difficult to spot around gardens, rocks, long grass and pathways. He urged residents to keep dogs away from any snake, not to attempt to catch or kill it and to call an expert.

​The deaths come amid concern over antivenom supply. In a July 2026 stakeholder communication, National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) CEO Prof Koleka Mlisana wrote on behalf of the South African Vaccine Producers (SAVP), a subsidiary of the NHLS.

​She listed polyvalent as out of stock, with expected stock arriving on 31 October. Echis, boomslang and scorpion antivenoms were listed as available.

​“Antivenom manufacturing is an intricate and highly specialised process that demands precision, rigorous testing, and strict quality assurance,” Mlisana wrote.

​“Our team continues to work diligently to ensure that every batch released adheres to the most stringent regulatory and clinical standards.”

​IOL approached the NHLS on 9 October for an update on current stock availability. No response was received despite multiple follow-up attempts.

​Another Western Cape snake handler, Steve Meighan, founder of Deep South Reptile Rescue, told IOL Media that antivenom availability has been a longstanding concern and that he has raised questions about supply for several years.

​“I would want the NHLS to confirm the current stock position before making a definitive statement about the extent of any shortage,” Meighan said.

​Meighan said puff adders are indigenous to the Cape Peninsula and occur where natural vegetation borders residential properties, including in Simon’s Town. He said their cytotoxic venom can cause significant tissue damage, swelling, pain and bleeding abnormalities, and that a bite to the face or neck can be particularly dangerous because swelling may compromise breathing.

​Meighan said a suspected bite should be treated as an emergency.

​“Owners should regard a suspected puff adder bite as a veterinary emergency,” he said.

​He added: “The most important thing is to get the dog to a veterinarian immediately. Phone the veterinary practice while travelling so the team can prepare and advise you on the safest approach.”

​He advised owners to “keep the dog as calm and still as possible.”

​“Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake, handle it for identification, cut the wound, suck out venom, apply ice or use a tourniquet,” he said.