The saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) is one of the principal causes of snake bites in India. For the Haffkine Institute, these snakes are procured for their venom every year from the Deogad area. A study of prevalence and distribution of these snakes was, therefore, undertaken to find out the areas where their prevalence is at the highest. Echis carinatus were invariably found under stones in open fields. Maximum numbers of snakes were collected during the rainy months. A study of output of venom by snakes procured during different months revealed that snakes collected during August produced less venom in comparison to snakes procured in October.

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Various methods of venom extraction including application of manual pressure to the glands, electric stimulation, and vacuum method were used for the extraction of venom from snakes maintained in captivity and in an open farm. The venom was collected from cobra (Naja naja), Russell's viper (Vipera russelli) and common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) snakes. The yield of venom with different methods was compared. It was observed that snakes maintained in open farm yield more venom in comparison to those maintained in captivity. Extraction of venom by application of hand pressure to the venom glands and the use of vacuum method produced highest venom yield.

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The repellent property of certain plant extracts and oils against snakes has been investigated. For this purpose 15 hexane extracts of plants and 11 oils were tested in the laboratory in a specially designed cage. Out of the materials tested, Acorus calamus extract and pine oil were found to exhibit excellent snake repellent property.