title: Venomous and poisonous Australian animals of veterinary importance: a rich source of novel therapeutics.
abstract: Envenomation and poisoning by terrestrial animals (both vertebrate and invertebrate) are a significant economic problem and health risk for domestic animals in Australia. Australian snakes are some of the most venomous animals in the world and bees, wasps, ants, paralysis ticks, and cane toads are also present as part of the venomous and poisonous fauna. The diagnosis and treatment of envenomation or poisoning in animals is a challenge and can be a traumatic and expensive process for owners. Despite the potency of Australian venoms, there is potential for novel veterinary therapeutics to be modeled on venom toxins, as has been the case with human pharmaceuticals. A comprehensive overview of envenomation and poisoning signs in livestock and companion animals is provided and related to the potential for venom toxins to act as therapeutics.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Margaret C
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5033-4322
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Hardy
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
authors.forename: Jonathon
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-8675-9904
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cochrane
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia.
authors.forename: Rachel E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Allavena
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000832:Animals, Poisonous / Q000502:physiology*; D001315:Australia; D005843:Geography; D006801:Humans; D014688:Venoms / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine
chemical_list: D014688:Venoms