Iraq appeals to Iran Razi Institute to develop antidote for Desert
Cobra 

The Iraqi Health Ministry has asked Iran's Razi Vaccine and Serum Research
Institute to develop an antidote to bites from the Desert Cobra (Walterinnesia
aegyptia), which is found throughout the Arab country, an official said. 

“Given the successful history of Razi Institute in
developing effective antidotes to snake bites and scorpion stings, the Iraqi
Health Ministry recently requested that a special antidote be made by the
experts of Razi Institute for the desert cobra, which is one of the most dangerous
and poisonous snakes,” Mohammad-Hossein Fallah, vice president for research and
technology of Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, said. 

He added, “Upon the formal request from the Iraqi government, our experts
have been dispatched to the Arab country’s Dhi Qar governorate in the south for
the first time to catch different species of unknown poisonous snakes there and
collect venom samples.”

The desert cobra is found throughout Iraq, but it's least likely to be seen
in the north. These snakes, with their shiny black, polished exterior, can grow
up to 4 feet long, although their average size is about 2 feet. Desert cobras
are quick, and they're known for their keen sense of smell but weak eyesight.