1. To encourage intellectual discussion among members
   
   
2. To promote clinical and scientific research regarding venomous animals and envenomations
   
   
3. To increase awareness of issues that affect the public health and clinical response to envenomations
   
   
4. To provide a central resource of information for AACT members
   
   
5. To form partnerships with other organizations that share common interests and goals

Recent activities:

1. In late 2007, the ENVSIG drafted a letter to the FDA regarding the impending loss of coral snake antivenom. The letter was approved by the AACT Board of Trustees and sent in February, 2008. As a result, the NIH Office of Rare Diseases sponsored, and the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research organized a meeting of interested parties in January, 2009, to explore the potential consequences of this loss and to try to find solutions.
   
   
2. A working document developed by the World Health Organization's global antivenom initiative, listing medically important snakes and the state of antivenom coverage by geographic region, was circulated for comment and members of the ENVSIG participated in this review.
   
   
3. Members of the ENVSIG have been involved in developing a series of international venom scientific symposiums. Venom Week 2009, the third in a series of scientific symposiums on venomous animals, collection issues, venoms, antivenoms and clinical management, will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 1 - 4, 2009.
   
   
4. Members of the ENVSIG have obtained a HRSA grant to create a national strategic exotic antivenom system and to enhance and maintain the online Antivenom Index.