Background: The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge of general practitioners in the rural areas of the Free State and Northern Cape regarding snake bites and their treatment.

Methods: Telephonic interviews using structured questionnaires were conducted with a random sample of 50 general practitioners from rural areas in each region.

Results: Doctors in each region indicated that they knew the snakes in their region (Free State 93.6% and Northern Cape 91.8%), but only 17% of the Free State and 53.1% of the Northern Cape doctors felt that they knew enough about the treatment of snake bites. More than three quarters of the Northern Cape doctors have polyvalent antiserum available and 49% have used it, compared to only 40.4% of Free State respondents who have polyvalent antiserum and 34.0% who have used it. Northern Cape doctors administer it correctly more frequently. Only a quarter of respondents knew that polyvalent antiserum can be used after the expiry date.

Conclusion: The knowledge and treatment of snake bites by general practitioners must be addressed through more emphasis in undergraduate training and continuing medical education.