How Antivenom is Made in Australia

Funnel Web

Funnel Web: Most venomous spider?

On Wednesday we asked the question Redback Spider Antivenom Doesn’t Work; True or False? But the redback spider isn’t Australia’s scariest critter, we have plenty more venomous creatures here that you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley. Or in a river, or at the park, in the outback, your garage, the back garden, a shed, well you get the point.

For those of you who are concerned about Australia’s venomous inhabitants, this may just be the most comforting mini documentary you will ever see.

The video itself is a little longer than is usual for this website, so I’m going to keep my intro much shorter than usual to compensate for that.

We are going to be taking a look at bioCSL, the world’s sole producer of Australian antivenoms for human use and we are going to find out exactly how they make the antivenoms that save lives.

Talking of saving lives, please do check out the information after this video that explains how you can get your copy of the free app they mention in this video. You never know when that might come in handy.

What you will learn

Ever wondered how many people present themselves to a hospital in Australia each year having been bitten by a snake? Or which, of all the antivenoms made, gets used the most? And what do rabbits and sheep have to do with all of this?

You’ll find the answers to those questions and much more, in this short documentary.

Here’s The Making of Antivenom

Australian Bites and Stings

As you will have seen towards the end of that video, the app I have been talking about is called Australian Bites and Stings.

It’s available on both Android and iPad and I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you how to download and install this potential lifesaver on your device.

So I won’t, but here’s a bit more about it…

Australian bites and stings
Australian bites and stings - 2
Australian bites and stings - 3Seriously, this app could save your life, or the life of someone you love dearly. Why wouldn’t you want to download it? You know what you need to do next. While you’re at it, why not get this one as well…

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{ 2 comments… add one }
  • Tanya March 14, 2014, 10:13 pm |

    Hi bob, just checking is there a lot of lizards, snakes and spiders in Perth? N do u find lizards going into houses as that would scare me to death! Thanks

    • BobinOz March 15, 2014, 12:57 am |

      Well, I’ve never been to Perth so I can’t answer your specific question, maybe if you ask it on my page about Perth (link under the Australian Cities tab in the above main menu) then maybe someone from over that way will answer you.

      Here in Brisbane, very similar climate, I’ve never had a ‘lizard’ in my house, as in the big ones, although I’ve had hundreds of geckos (tiny lizards), but these things are harmless and only about 1 to 7 cm long. They are actually quite cute even though they are a pest.

      Of course, there will be snakes and spiders in Perth, but I can’t put a number on it 🙂 all I can tell you is that you will be surprised to find that they aren’t hanging out on every street corner or climbing up every wall. By and large, they don’t really affect daily life.

      Cheers, Bob

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