The production and control of anti--venous sera

This paper describes the species of venomous snakes found in Costa Rica as well as anti-venom sera prepared by the Instituto Clodomiro Picado: polyvalent sera for use in human or veterinary medicine, and anti-Micrurus and anti-Lachesis monovalent sera. These sera are prepared in horses, purified with ammonium sulphate, then concentrated and delivered either in liquid or freeze-dried form. Controls are in accordance with NIH recommendations. For cases of hypersensitivity to horse serum, a polyvalent anti-Bothrops and anti-Crotalus serum from sheep has been prepared.