Global survey on bites/stings by spiders, scorpions and centipedes

Request for participation in global survey on bites/stings by spiders, scorpions and centipedes - by Tobias Hauke & Volker Herzig:

In a recent publication (“Love bites – Do venomous arachnids make safe pets?” Toxicon 190, 65-72), we examined 354 cases of bite or sting incidents in humans caused by arachnids held in captivity. Analysis of this large dataset enabled us to examine the circumstances and outcomes of spider bites and scorpion stings down to the respective genus levels. However, to obtain data enabling a more detailed analysis at the species level and to recognize trends over extended time periods, a much larger dataset would be required. In addition, our previous study was only focussed on incidents with pet arachnids. Thus, to enable a more continuous and timely monitoring of all arachnid bite or sting incidents and, from now on, also those from centipedes (including pet arachnids/centipedes and those encountered in the "wild"), we have prepared an online questionnaire for collecting data in a structured format, for aiding with data comparability.

We would therefore kindly ask all of you, who have been bitten by a spider or centipede or stung by scorpion, to report the details by completing the following questionnaire (one form for each separate incident): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSepTKrz3n37_xW3m5nDPyVqiIwJiCHI9p8YMuJYzxkK7IYKOw/viewform?usp=sf_link

In addition to bites and stings in humans, we also aim to examine the effects of arachnid envenomations in pet and companion animals (e.g. cats, dogs, horses, etc.), a topic that has been widely ignored in the past. The following form should be used for cases of pet animals being bitten or stung by arachnids/centipedes: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIzdhu8ev06HhMbrMEUCipuDhrEoTjyH-018Tre93Ie2eMGw/viewform?usp=sf_link

For supporting our research, we would kindly ask you to participate in our survey (if you or your pet have been bitten or stung by an arachnid or centipede) or by sharing this request with other enthusiasts.

Thank you very much in advance!

Tobias & Volker

DISCLAIMER: This survey is for research purposes only and does not replace any medical treatment. In case you feel unpleasant after a recent arachnid or centipede bite/sting, please seek professional help first before participating in our survey.