How Venom Works
Graphics: R. Lowe, AVRU The University of Melbourne
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Antivenom
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Antivenoms are purified antibodies which act as a kind of molecular sponge to soak up venoms or venom components (toxins). The most commonly used animal in the production of Australian antivenoms is the horse. Sheep, rabbits and dogs are also currently used in Australia. Venom is obtained in a number of different ways. Snakes and funnel web spiders are milked for their venom. Stonefish, redback spider and box jellyfish venoms are extracted from dissected glands and tissues. This can be a dangerous process.
Today there are 12 commercially available antivenoms in Australia.
| Australian snake antivenoms | Produced in: | Other Australian antivenoms | Produced in: |
| Tiger snake | Horses | Funnel web spider | Rabbits |
| Brown snake | Horses | Redback spider | Horses |
| Taipan | Horses | Australian paralysis tick | Dogs |
| Black snake | Horses | Box jellyfish | Sheep |
| Death adder | Horses | Stonefish | Horses |
| Sea snake | Horses | ||
| Polyvalent snake | Horses |
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