How is antivenom made?

Image depicts a stylised illustration of a horse preparing to be injected with snake venom, infront of it, there is a hand holding the syringe with the antivenom. Title of the blog "How Antivenom is made" followed by Life Saving First Aid logo

Introduction:

Australia is home to around 139 species of venomous snakes. This includes 109 land-based and 30 marine-based species. Not all of these are dangerously venomous. However, approximately one-third of them are, so you can see how important snake antivenom is.

How is snake antivenom made? It’s a pretty interesting story and process.

Snake Venom:

First, a bit about venom.

Snake venom is created in the modified salivary glands of the snake. It is a complex mixture of enzymes and proteins of various sizes, amines, lipids, nucleosides, and carbohydrates.

Snake venom affects the body in 4 different ways:

  • Neurotoxic – Damaging to the nervous system and the brain – interfering with the neurotransmitters sending signals to your muscles.
  • Hemotoxic – Thinning out the blood preventing clotting. Leading to fatal internal haemorrhage and cardiovascular collapse.
  • Cytotoxic – Attacking cells leading to oedema (fluid retention), severe blistering, apoptosis (cell death), and necrosis.
  • Myotoxic – destroying muscles and causing paralysis and cardiac arrest.

Some snake venom contains a mixture of all four types of toxins. Nasty Stuff.

how the snake venom affects the body:
nake venom affects the body in 4 different ways:  1. Neurotoxic - Damaging to the nervous system and the brain - interfering with the neurotransmitters sending signals to your muscles.  2. Hemotoxic – Thinning out the blood preventing clotting. Leading to fatal internal haemorrhage and cardiovascular collapse.  3. Cytotoxic – Attacking cells leading to oedema (fluid retention), severe blistering, apoptosis (cell death), and necrosis.  4. Myotoxic – destroying muscles and causing paralysis and cardiac arrest.

Snakebite:

Australian venomous snakes all belong to the Elapid family of snakes and as such their fangs are hollow, short and located at the front of their jaw.

When the snake bites, venom is injected into the lymphatic system of the casualty. This happens because elapid snake fangs are short.

To enter the bloodstream and begin to affect the victim, the venom must be transported to areas such as the groin or armpits.

The venom of the Elapidae family is primarily neurotoxic with some myotoxic effects.

If you are treating a snake bite in Australia, use the Pressure Immobilisation Technique – PIT. Click HERE for details of this technique.

Australian venomous snakes all belong to the Elapid family of snakes and as such their fangs are hollow, short and located at the front of their jaw.  When the snake bites, venom is injected into the lymphatic system of the casualty.  This happens because elapid snake fangs are short.  To enter the bloodstream and begin to affect the victim, the venom must be transported to areas such as the groin or armpits

Antivenom – A Brief History:

Albert Calmette, a French physician produced an antivenom for cobra venom in 1895 which was to revolutionise the treatment of snakebite worldwide.

In 1898 here in Australia, Frank Tidswell undertook pioneering experiments in active immunisation using tiger snake venom. Then in 1901, he produced Australia’s first experimental antivenom.

Around 1900 Charles Martin (Universities of Sydney and Melbourne) made several important advances relating to venoms, including:

  • Proving that Calmette’s anti-venom did not work for every snake.
  • Conducting the first investigations into the chemistry of Australian venoms.
  • Observing the action of venom on the body and its systems.
  • Proposing that intravenous injection could be used to administer antivenom.
  • Concluding that the dose of venom injected influences the volume of antivenom used in treatment.

In 1928, research was led by Frank Morgan from Commonwealth Serum Laboratories (CSL) and Neil Fairley and Charles Kellaway from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) into antivenom for Tiger snake and by October 1930 the first tiger snake antivenom was available commercially.

“While CSL had produced experimental antivenoms for many species, it wasn’t until July 1955 that Australia’s second commercial snake antivenom for the Taipan was released. This was followed by antivenoms for the brown snake (1956), redback spider (1956), death adder (1958), black snake (1959), stonefish (1959) and sea snake (1961). In 1962 a polyvalent snake antivenom was released to treat victims where the snake was unknown.

In 1970, an antivenom for the box jellyfish was used successfully. One for the funnel web spider followed in 1981. Today CSL continues as the only producer of human antivenoms in Australia.” (Source: Venoms & Antivenoms at Museum Victoria)

As you can see, Australia played an important role in antivenom research.

Hmm. That’s great…But get to the point! How do we make snake antivenom?

berief history of antivenom
antivenom advances made by charles martin

Antivenom production:

Antivenom works by stimulating the production of antibodies. The immune system produces antibodies to neutralise dangerous antigens like viruses and bacteria. Antigens can also be effective in neutralising venom.

Antivenom does not destroy the venom’s toxins or reverse the venom’s effects on the body. However, the antibodies the antivenom creates can suppress the venom’s toxins, preventing their spread and making them harmless.

To make antivenom you need venom. Lots of it. The Australian Reptile Park, located in the central coast region of NSW, has been the sole supplier of terrestrial snake venom for the purpose of making antivenom.

At the Australian Reptile Park, snake handlers milk 250 venomous snakes every fortnight. The Collected venom is freeze dried and the crystals are packaged and sent to be made into antivenom.

Australia uses horses for the production of all snake antivenom. Over a period of six months, the horses are injected with increasing doses of venom. During this time, they build up antibodies to the snake venom.

Blood is taken from the horses and the antibodies in the blood are extracted. These are purified and reduced to a usable form ie Antivenom.

(Oh, and by the way… the horses have a great life and suffer no inconvenience from this process.)

Then the antivenom is distributed (read SOLD) to whoever needs it.

antivenom production

Which Antivenom for which snake?

Identification of the snake will assist with the choice of the right antivenom for that snake. It will also indicate to the doctor the particular features and characteristics of envenomation by that type of snake.

Identification of snakes by the casualty, general public or by hospital staff is often inaccurate.

Sometimes, the snake is not even seen or is only glimpsed getting away. In these cases, a snakebite venom detection kit may be used.

Australia is the only country in the world that has snake venom detection kits.

The kits consist of a fast-acting two-step enzyme immune test in which wells are coated with antibodies to the various snake venoms.

The doctor will take a swab from the bite site and use the antibodies to determine the type of snake antivenom to be used.

which antivenom for which snake

Other Anti-Venoms:

As you are aware, Australia is home to lots of other venomous creatures. Fortunately, we have anti-venom most of the dangerous ones.

  • Funnel-web spider – produced in Rabbits
  • Redback Spider – produced in Horses
  • Aust. paralysis Tick – produced in Dogs
  • Box Jellyfish – produced in Sheep
  • Stonefish – produced in Horses

Conclusion

Thanks to the early research, Australia is in a fortunate position. We have good antivenom combined with good ambulance service and a good hospital system they all work together to reduce the impact of venomous bites on our community.

You should, of course, carry a snake bite kit with you… just in case.

Last word from WC Fields:

“Always carry a flagon of whiskey in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake.”

Well, that’s that. Until next time… Stay safe.

First Aid for Snake Bites: Signs & Treatment

First Aid for Snake Bites

Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world, including the Eastern Brown, Tiger Snake, and Inland Taipan. Knowing how to respond to a snake bite could mean the difference between life and death. Whether you’re exploring the bush, working outdoors, or simply enjoying your backyard, being prepared is essential.

Snake bites can cause severe symptoms within minutes, making immediate first aid critical while waiting for professional medical help. Understanding the signs and the correct treatment steps ensures you’re ready to act quickly in an emergency. Preparation and knowledge empower you to stay calm and provide potentially life-saving care when it matters most.

Recognising a Snake Bite: What Does It Look Like?

When faced with a suspected snake bite, you may wonder, what does a snake bite look like? The visual signs can vary depending on the snake and whether the bite is venomous or non-venomous.

Venomous snake bites often leave two distinct puncture marks where the fangs penetrated the skin. These may be accompanied by redness, swelling, bruising, or even slight bleeding. Over time, symptoms like pain, spreading discolouration, or a feeling of tightness around the bite site can develop.

Non-venomous snake bites, on the other hand, tend to display multiple small teeth marks in a more superficial pattern, with less swelling or bleeding. However, it’s critical not to assume a bite is harmless, as venom delivery isn’t always obvious.

In Australia, where venomous species are common, any snake bite must be treated as potentially life-threatening until proven otherwise. The body’s reaction to venom can escalate quickly, so identifying the bite and acting immediately can be lifesaving. If you’re unsure what the bite looks like, always look for puncture marks and monitor for swelling, pain, or discoloration spreading from the area.

Common Snake Bite Symptoms

Recognising snake bite symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment, as the severity of reactions can escalate rapidly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the snake species, the amount of venom injected, and the victim’s response. According to Heath Direct some of the early and then Developed symptoms are.

Early symptoms

  • Localised pain or a burning sensation around the bite site.
  • Swelling, redness, or bruising spreading from the bite.
  • Sweating.
  • Tingling or numbness in the limbs or face.

If venom spreads further, severe snake bite symptoms can develop:

  • Difficulty breathing due to respiratory paralysis.
  • Nausea, or vomiting
  • Weakness, dizziness, or collapse.
  • Blurred vision or drooping eyelids.
  • Paralysis starting at the bite site and spreading.
  • Unconsciousness in extreme cases.

In Australia, symptoms can vary based on the species. For example, bites from Brown Snakes may cause rapid clotting issues and collapse, while Tiger Snakes often cause severe pain, sweating, and muscle paralysis. Red-bellied Black Snakes typically result in less severe systemic effects but still cause swelling and discomfort.

Regardless of the species, any snake bite symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. Immediate first aid and professional care are vital to prevent life-threatening complications.

How to Bandage a Snake Bite: Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT)

If resuscitation is required, it takes precedence over applying the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT). However, once resuscitation is underway, PIT should be applied as soon as possible to slow venom movement.

How to Apply PIT on a Limb:

  1. Apply a Pressure Bandage Over the Bite Site:
    • Use a broad elasticised bandage (10–15 cm wide) if available. If not, crepe bandages, clothing, or other material can be used.
    • The bandage should be firm and tight—you should not be able to slide a finger easily between the bandage and skin.
  2. Restrict Lymphatic Flow and Immobilise:
    • Begin wrapping a second pressure bandage at the fingers or toes and extend upwards, covering as much of the limb as possible.
    • Apply the bandage over existing clothing if possible.
    • Alternatively, a single bandage can be applied starting at the fingers or toes and extending upward, including the bite site.
  3. Splint the Limb:
    • Splint the limb, ensuring joints on both sides of the bite are immobilised.
    • Incorporate the splint under the bandage layers if practical.
    • For arm bites, place the limb in a sling.
  4. Keep the Victim Still:
    • Bring transport to the victim whenever possible.
    • If alone, the victim should apply the bandage, remain as immobile as possible, and seek urgent help.

If the Bite Is Not on a Limb:

Apply firm direct pressure to the bite site without restricting breathing, or chest movement however you must not apply firm pressure to the neck, or head.

Medical Treatment for Snake Bites

Once professional medical help is sought, snake bite treatment begins with a thorough assessment and the implementation of critical protocols to manage the situation effectively. Rapid hospitalisation is essential, as delays can lead to worsening symptoms and life-threatening complications.

In hospital, medical staff will:

  1. Assess the bite and symptoms: The team will monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Blood tests may be conducted to determine the severity of envenomation and identify the snake species.
  2. Administer antivenom: If symptoms indicate venom spread, antivenom is provided to neutralise toxins. The choice of antivenom depends on the type of snake, which can sometimes be determined through symptoms or identification. This treatment requires careful monitoring to manage potential allergic reactions.
  3. Manage pain and complications: Pain relief, intravenous fluids, and medications to control nausea or bleeding may be administered. In severe cases, life support measures like oxygen therapy or ventilation are provided.
  4. Continuous monitoring: Patients are closely observed for several hours or even days to ensure symptoms are stabilising. Blood clotting, paralysis progression, and vital organ function are carefully tracked.

Snake bite treatment focuses on immediate stabilisation, venom neutralisation, and managing symptoms. The quicker the patient reaches a hospital, the better the chances of a full recovery.

How to Prevent Snake Bites

Preventing snake bites begins with awareness and caution, whether you’re in urban gardens or rural bushland. Follow these tips to stay safe:

  • Wear protective clothing: When walking or working in snake-prone areas, wear long pants, thick socks, and sturdy boots to reduce exposure.
  • Stay on clear paths: Avoid tall grass, leaf piles, and rocks where snakes may hide. Use a stick to check areas ahead when walking in dense vegetation.
  • Be cautious around water: Snakes often gather near creeks, ponds, and dams, especially during warm weather.
  • Keep your surroundings clean: Clear debris, woodpiles, and overgrown areas near your home to reduce hiding spots.
  • Use lights at night: Carry a torch to spot snakes in the dark.

By respecting snakes’ habitats and taking simple precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of snake bites.

Conclusion: Quick Action Saves Lives

Recognising snake bite symptoms and administering immediate first aid can make a life-saving difference. Acting quickly with the Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) and seeking professional medical help ensures the best chance of recovery.

Whether you’re exploring the bush, working outdoors, or enjoying your backyard, being prepared is essential. Carry a first aid kit and stay informed about proper snake bite treatment.

Stay Prepared – Learn Life Saving First Aid

Being prepared for emergencies, such as snake bites, starts with the right knowledge and training. By completing a first aid course, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to handle snake bites, administer effective first aid, and respond to life-threatening situations calmly and efficiently.

At Life Saving First Aid, we equip you with practical, hands-on training to prepare you for real-world emergencies. Whether you spend time outdoors or simply want to protect those around you, learning first aid is a proactive step toward saving lives.

Act today – contact us to book your first aid course and be ready for any emergency.