Public Urged to Collect and Contribute Deadly Spiders for Antivenom Initiative

Key Takeaways

Australian Reptile Park urgently needs funnel-web spider donations.
High humidity and rainfall expected to attract more spiders.
No fatal bites reported since antivenom was developed in 1981.
150-200 milkings required for one vial of antivenom.
Public participation is crucial for the success of the antivenom program.

Sydney, Feb 25 (NationPress) An Australian zoo has made an urgent appeal to the community for increased contributions of one of the globe's most venomous spiders to support its antivenom programme.

The Australian Reptile Park, located near Gosford, approximately 50 km north of Sydney, has requested that individuals gather and donate funnel-web spiders.

In a social media video, spider keeper Emma Tenti explained that the funnel-web season has been slower than usual, resulting in fewer spiders being submitted for the zoo's critical antivenom initiative.

Tenti noted that the upcoming high humidity and rainfall expected in Sydney this autumn, beginning Saturday, would create ideal conditions for funnel-web spiders.

Indigenous to Australia, the funnel-web spider is primarily found along the country's eastern coastline and ranks among the most venomous spiders globally.

Tenti stated that since the introduction of the antivenom in 1981, no fatalities from funnel-web spider bites have been recorded.

“We’re the sole facility in Australia that collects venom for the antivenom programme,” she mentioned, as reported by Xinhua.

“Each spider donated could potentially save a life. The success of the venom programme hinges entirely on public contributions of these spiders, and without them, the manufacturing of antivenom—which has saved countless lives in Australia—would not be feasible,” Tenti added.

Only male funnel-web spiders are used for venom extraction, requiring between 150-200 milkings to produce a single vial of antivenom.

Individuals who come across a funnel-web spider are encouraged to collect it by gently coaxing it into a jar using a long spoon, filling the jar with moist soil or cotton, sealing it, and delivering it to one of the zoo's designated donation locations.