India, Nov. 16 -- Snakebites are a silent global health crisis, claiming an estimated 138,000 fatalities annually, of which 58,000 fatalities, the world's highest, are in India. India hosts over 60 venomous and 240 other snake species. Irula Cooperative Society of tribal snake handlers in Tamil Nadu supplies 80% of the venom for antivenom production in India, a major producer globally. The "Big Four" (not by size) venomous Indian snakes are the Russell's viper, saw-scaled viper, Indian cobra, and common krait. Snakes are captured, and venom is carefully extracted before they are released back into the wild. This venom is used to immunize animals like horses or sheep, and the antibodies from their blood are extracted and purified to create...