Leeches in the world

Nowadays, more and more people find out about the Nature's miracle - the leech. Due to the latest researches and findings, the development of Hirudotherapy takes a bigger magnitude. The first to understand that Hirudotherapy has a bright future were the Russians. One of the oldest "leech factories" is located in Russia. They are actually artificial farms, specialy built to reproduce the natural living environment of leeches. At this moment, Russia is the biggest leech farmer and manufacturer of hirudine products. The Russian scientist were the first ones to start researching this element - hirudine. As a result there are many cosmetics and healthcare products produces from this element which have great effects.

There is a big company in Great Britain in the leech business - Biopharm Leeches. It is also a leech farm founded in 1812. Biopharm is a continously developing company which comepetes on the European and American markets.

You will probably ask if there are any such farms in Romania. The answer is - yes, there are. In 2006 the Hirudomedicinalis biolaboratory was founded which is specialized in growing and breeding leeches of the hirudo medicinali medicinalis species. In 2007 there was another leech farm created in Focsani, Romania. It is a new and full of opportunities company which is specialized in Hirudotherapy.

One question come to mind to people knowing the geograpfy of Romania: - Are there not any leeches in the Danube Delta? Would it not be easier to harvest leeches from the Danube?
The answer is - yes, there are lots of leeches in the Danube, but Hirudo medicinalis medicinalis is an endangerd species and is protected by local and international law. There are special area for harvesting leeches, but it is done under with strict supervision. Since the Danube Delta is a conservation area, leech harvesting is not permited.