Australia's Venomous Creatures Contribute to Life-Saving Antivenom Programme
A government-backed programme utilises venom from deadly animals, such as Sydney funnel-web spiders and snakes, to produce antivenom, saving countless lives in Australia and beyond
The Australian Reptile Park plays a crucial role in the government's antivenom programme, which has been successful in saving lives since its inception in 1981. The park's spider milking room is where Emma Teni, a skilled spider keeper, extracts venom from up to 80 Sydney funnel-web spiders daily.
These spiders are considered the most deadly in the world, with the quickest recorded death occurring within 13 minutes.
However, thanks to the antivenom programme, no one has been killed by a Sydney funnel-web spider since 1981.The scheme relies on public contributions, with individuals encouraged to safely capture and donate spiders to the park.
The venom extracted from these spiders is then used to produce antivenom, which is distributed across Australia and to other countries, including Papua New Guinea.In addition to spiders, the park also collects snake venom, which is used to produce antivenom for various species, such as the Eastern Brown, Taipan, and Tiger Snake.
The venom collection process involves skilled handlers, like Billy Collett, who carefully extract venom from snakes using a shot glass covered in cling film.The collected venom is then sent to a laboratory in Melbourne, where it is freeze-dried and turned into an antidote through a process that can take up to 18 months.
The resulting antivenom is distributed to major rural and remote areas, as well as to organisations like the Royal Flying Doctors, who provide medical services to remote communities.The antivenom programme has been highly effective, with Australia experiencing significantly lower snake bite-related deaths compared to other countries.
According to the World Health Organisation, up to 140,000 people die from snake bites worldwide each year, while in Australia, the number of fatalities is between one and four per year.The programme's success has also led to the distribution of antivenom to Papua New Guinea, which receives around 600 vials annually.
This contribution has been estimated to have saved over 2,000 lives in the country.
These spiders are considered the most deadly in the world, with the quickest recorded death occurring within 13 minutes.
However, thanks to the antivenom programme, no one has been killed by a Sydney funnel-web spider since 1981.The scheme relies on public contributions, with individuals encouraged to safely capture and donate spiders to the park.
The venom extracted from these spiders is then used to produce antivenom, which is distributed across Australia and to other countries, including Papua New Guinea.In addition to spiders, the park also collects snake venom, which is used to produce antivenom for various species, such as the Eastern Brown, Taipan, and Tiger Snake.
The venom collection process involves skilled handlers, like Billy Collett, who carefully extract venom from snakes using a shot glass covered in cling film.The collected venom is then sent to a laboratory in Melbourne, where it is freeze-dried and turned into an antidote through a process that can take up to 18 months.
The resulting antivenom is distributed to major rural and remote areas, as well as to organisations like the Royal Flying Doctors, who provide medical services to remote communities.The antivenom programme has been highly effective, with Australia experiencing significantly lower snake bite-related deaths compared to other countries.
According to the World Health Organisation, up to 140,000 people die from snake bites worldwide each year, while in Australia, the number of fatalities is between one and four per year.The programme's success has also led to the distribution of antivenom to Papua New Guinea, which receives around 600 vials annually.
This contribution has been estimated to have saved over 2,000 lives in the country.
