wildlife attack caught on camera! man saves horse from giant snake

One of the reasons horses die from snakebite is the delay in recognition and treatment. 

Treatment is aimed at both correcting the effects of envenomation and supporting the horse while it recovers.

While snakes are around all year, once the warmer weather and dryer conditions arrive is when we see them, and the incident of pets being bitter increases. Australia has the highest number of venomous snakes, however we have very low numbers of snake bites each year and even fewer human fatalities.

There are no reliable figures on how many horses each year die of snake bite so the incidence is unknown.  However, most equine Vets will see one or two suspected snake bites each year and know a couple of horses that die of suspected snake bite.   

As the weather continues to warm-up, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is encouraging animal owners to take precautions to help minimise the risk of snake bites in pets and seek immediate veterinary advice if they suspect their animal has been bitten.

AVA president, Dr Paula Parker, said that snakes tend to be their most active at the end of the day.

Snakes are often looking for rats and mice to eat and where better to look than in the feed sheds and hay storage areas of equestrian properties. Keeping your stable area and horse yards free of long grasses, piles of timber, old rugs, feed bags and rubbish may not stop the snakes but it will mean that you have more of a chance of seeing them before they cause problems for your animals.

“Snake bites often occur in the late afternoon or early evening, however it’s important for people to be vigilant throughout the day,” she said.

“Outside, keep a close eye out for snakes in bushy areas or near water,” Dr Parker continued. “It’s best to try and keep horses, cattle and sheep away from bushy areas. Dog owners should try and avoid these areas when walking their pets at the end of the day and preferably keep them on the lead.”

The AVA said it’s important for animal owners to be aware of the signs of a snake bite as they may not actually see their animal being bitten. Signs of snake bite can vary depending on the snake and the location in Australia. Common signs of a snake bite include: