London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025

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.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×