Ophidian accidents in Honduras: fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)

Venomous snakebites, known as ophidian accidents, represent a real risk worldwide, and Honduras is no exception. Nineteen species of venomous snakes inhabit our country, present across all 18 departments, making this a public health concern we must be aware of. Today, at Honduras Neotropical, we tell you a bit about this medically important topic, why we should stay informed, and some recommendations on what to do or where to go if you suffer a bite or are near someone who does.

In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease and later launched an action plan to reduce mortality from snakebite envenoming by 50% by 2030. The plan pursues four strategic objectives: 1) empower and involve communities, 2) ensure safe and effective treatment, 3) strengthen health systems, and 4) increase partnerships, coordination, and resources to build a global coalition¹.

It is estimated that each year in the Americas, approximately 60,000 snakebites occur, causing around 370 deaths—that is, of all the bites that occur in a year, roughly 0.62% result in death. However, it is believed that these numbers may not reflect all cases due to underreporting (when cases are not followed up or recorded) in rural areas far from medical care centers¹.

In Honduras, studies and reports from the Ministry of Health and the Epidemiological Bulletin indicate between 650 and 750 cases of ophidian accidents per year. To address this medically important issue, a multisectoral network has been formed that includes key actors directly involved in the care of snakebite envenoming cases. These include the Ministry of Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), the Honduran Medical College, and the Ixchel Group as promoters of this initiative. Also contributing are: the Private Collection and Rescue Center El Ocotal, the Rosy Walther National Species Conservation Center (Minis of Natural Resources and Environment), the Toxicological Information Center (CENTOX) of the UNAH Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, the School of Microbiology (UNAH), and support from the Clodomiro Picado Institute of Costa Rica².

Several species of venomous snakes have been documented in Honduras, such as the rattlesnake (Crotalus simus), the black tamagás (Porthidium ophryomegas), and the coral snake (Micrurus nigrocinctus). However, one species stands out above all others: the fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper). This species is responsible for most of the recorded bites in the country (see Figure 1), and at the Central American level, an estimated 50% of reported cases are attributed to it².

Figure 1: Bothrops asper (fer-de-lance or barba amarilla), Note the heat-sensing pit that distinguishes it from non-venomous snakes.

The fer-de-lance is the largest venomous snake in Honduras, with individuals reaching up to 2.5 meters in length. Its distribution in the country extends across the entire northwestern region: from Copán, Cortés, Santa Bárbara, Atlántida, Yoro, Colón, Olancho, and Gracias a Dios (Figure 2)³.

Figure 2: Distribution map of Bothrops asper in Honduras³.

This snake has a high tolerance for urban areas and places with human activity, such as coffee plantations or other types of crops and constructions near forested areas. This is due to its large size, its generalized diet—which includes a wide range of prey such as mammals, insects, lizards, anurans (frogs and toads), and other snakes—and its reproductive potential, as females can have up to 90 offspring per litter depending on their size.

Fer-de-lance envenomings can be severe, with local symptoms such as tissue necrosis (destruction of tissue), edema (swelling), blister formation, coagulopathies (blood clotting disorders, hemorrhages) (Figure 3); and systemic effects such as hemodynamic alterations (changes in blood flow and pressure) and acute kidney injury (reduced kidney function)

Figure 3: Locally observed symptoms after a fer-de-lance bite.⁴

As mentioned at the beginning of this note, only 0.62% of all envenoming cases result in death—in other words, venomous snakebites are treatable and do not imply certain death if hospital treatment is provided on time. Therefore, in the event of an accident, it is recommended to transport the bitten patient to the nearest health center so they can receive antivenom and the envenoming can be controlled⁵.

In Honduras, public hospitals such as Hospital Escuela (Tegucigalpa), Atlántida Hospital, Mario Catarino Rivas Hospital (Cortés), San Francisco Hospital (Juticalpa, Olancho), El Progreso Hospital (Yoro), and others must have antivenom available (Figure 4). CENTOX has a map showing the locations of the 17 public hospitals that carry antivenom—see it here.

Figure 4: Map created by CENTOX showing antivenom distribution in the country. Source: CENTOX, UNAH.

Human–snake interaction is inevitable due to the expansion of human activities into forested areas, which are ideal habitats for snakes. We can change negative interactions (killing snakes, snakebites affecting humans) into positive interactions (snake evacuations, fire department rescues, bite prevention) if we maintain respect and distance toward these animals, seek professionals trained in snake handling, and avoid direct manipulation by using proper equipment for safe handling.

By: Luis Zúniga, Biologist

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REFERENCES

1- Snakebite envenoming: a strategy for prevention and control. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019. Licence: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.

2- Alger, J., Boza-Oviedo, E.E., Mejía, R.E., Navas, F., Simons-Morales, P., Velázquez, R.T., Gutiérrez, J.M. A multi-sectorial approach for addressing the problem of snakebite envenoming in Honduras. Toxicon. 2019 Mar 1;159:61-62. doi: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.01.005.

3- McCraine, J.R. 2011. The Snakes of Honduras. Systematics, Distribution, and Conservation. Contributions to Herpetology, Volume 26. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. Thomson-Shore, Inc., Michigan. 724 pages

4- Otero-Patiño, R. 2009. Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of Bothrops asper bites. Toxicon. 54: 998-1011.

5- Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Diagnóstico y tratamiento del envenenamiento por serpientes en América Latina y el Caribe. Washington, D.C.: OPS; 2025. Disponible en: https://doi.org/10.37774/9789275330289.