Most people who die from snake bite in Australia are male, bitten in the warmer months of the year and more than half of the bites occur in or near the home, according to the first new report in 25 years on death by snake bite in Australia. His work aims to make snakebite medicine more precise. But the notion that venomous snakes sink their fangs and venom into a lot of people is a “complete myth”, University of Newcastle Professor Geoff Isbister says. It shows that mortality rates, while low, have remained steady for over 30 years. Treatment for snake bites on dogs is really dependent on the type of snake bite. Snakebites in Australia cause about two deaths a year, said Professor Isbister, of the university’s Clinical Toxicology Research Group. Snake bites resemble two small puncture wounds. And there’s still the occasional person who walks out their front door on a rural property and treads on a brown snake,” he said. “This information  will help inform us about what educational information is needed, particularly in our urban towns and cities.". Such a test would quickly determine if a patient had been envenomed, confirming the need for antivenom. Then there’s men who do stupid things with snakes. Australian snakes possess potent venom: 5 of the world's top 10 most venomous snakes live in Australia. “Antivenom is expensive and comes with risk,” he said. “In terms of coming to Australia, you’re far more likely to be killed in the taxi on the way to the airport,” he said. While it’s difficult to know the exact figures, it’s been estimated that about 3000 to 5000 snakebites a year happen in Australia. Most bites occurred on limbs, and up to seven people (one fifth of fatal victims) were reported to have been bitten while trying to pick up snakes. Then there’s men who do stupid things with snakes. As things stand, patients occasionally get antivenom when they don’t need it. Most incidents occurred in warmer seasons when snakes were more active. The Australian Bites and Stings App is available for both android and apple smartphones. When they bite, they may leave no mark and you may feel nothing, but you may have a severe envenoming.”. The estimated incidence of snakebites annually in Australia is between 3 and 18 per 100,000 with an average mortality rate of 0.03 per 100,000 per year, or roughly 1 to 2 persons, down from 13 persons per year in the 1920s. According to The Guardian.com, since 2000, more than half of Australian snake bite deaths have happened because someone was bitten at home. Snakebites in Australia cause about two deaths a year, said Professor Isbister, of the university’s Clinical Toxicology Research Group. Fatal snake bites in Australia: facts, stats and stories, Chronic disease and public health failures fuel COVID-19 pandemic, Shining a spotlight on student health and wellbeing. Public health expert at the Australian Venom Research Unit (AVRU) at the University of Melbourne Dr Ronelle Welton led the study, published in the journal Toxicon. Such a test would quickly determine if a patient had been envenomed, confirming the need for antivenom.  Newcastle Herald, https://nnimgt-a.akamaihd.net/transform/v1/crop/frm/3AijacentBN9GedHCvcASxG/74353586-edff-4d69-8edd-e289b71a22ae.JPG/r0_242_4753_2927_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg, Updated | Woman found dead in Como driveway had AVO in place, Labor successful with property developer commission ban, NSW Health warns state is 'at a critical point' for testing, as five new cases found. It won’t do anything if it’s given inappropriately. Having bitten, the snake will already be agitated. If the dog lunges, it will bite again. The researchers examine venom in the blood of snakebite victims to pinpoint the type of snake and the effects of the bite.  Professor Isbister is part of the Australian Snakebite Project, which records snakebites and envenomings [when venom enters the blood]. The project examines 70 per cent to 80 per cent of all snakebites in Australia. “Antivenom is expensive and comes with risk,” he said. Assess the dog, looking for a puncture wound. It’s believed 60,000 cases of snake bite in dogs across Australia each year. Most people who die from snake bite in Australia are male, bitten in the warmer months of the year and more than half of the bites occur in or near the home, according to the first new report in 25 years on death by snake bite in Australia. However, in Australia, home to the largest number of venomous snakes in the world, your dog and cat face a different, more dangerous type of prey hiding in the bush. “The problem with brown snakes is they have very small fangs. As things stand, patients occasionally get antivenom when they don’t need it. Almost 6,500 pets were bitten by poisonous snakes in Australia last year, and during the summer months when snakes are most active, this life-threatening emergency is more likely to happen. But the notion that venomous snakes sink their fangs and venom into a lot of people is a “complete myth”, University of Newcastle Professor Geoff Isbister says. “It’s effective when you give it correctly, which means giving it early. Fatal snake bites in Australia: facts, stats and stories The Brown snake, caused 23 of the 35 deaths recorded between 2000 and 2016. Professor Isbister is part of the Australian Snakebite Project, which records snakebites and envenomings [when venom enters the blood]. “One in 10 cases are snake handlers. Be certain that it was a snake that attacked your dog. David Ellery presents this special report in memory of his Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tequila, who was killed by a snake bite on December 24, 2003. “The problem with brown snakes is they have very small fangs. When they bite, they may leave no mark and you may feel nothing, but you may have a severe envenoming.” A tourist might get bitten by a snake once or twice a year. Fear of snakes is common in Australia, particularly among tourists. As many as 15,000 of them die. The group is based at the Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital, which contains the only lab in Australia that measures all kinds of snake venom. “There’s only 100 to 200 severe envenomings each year – cases that need antivenom.” Half of all cases involve “people interfering with snakes”. The professor’s research aims to develop a blood test that can be done at the bedside.