An enormous Taipan snake has broken the record for the most venom in one bite – producing enough poison to kill 100 people.
Whiplash, a 2.5 metre-long snake produced 3.1027 grams of venom at the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney, the Newcastle Herald reported.
Two handlers milked the venom from the snake, which was almost twice as much as the usual venom yield from a single collection which is about 1.8 grams.
Head of reptiles at Australian Reptile Park Daniel Rumsey said Whiplash is one of the most dangerous snakes at the park, and ‘can be quite unpredictable’.
An enormous Taipan snake at the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney has broken the record for the most venom in one bite – producing enough poison to kill 100 people
Whiplash (pictured), a 2.5 metre-long snake produced 3.1027 grams of venom at the Australian Reptile Park in Sydney
‘Coastal Taipans are not the most venomous snake in the world, but they are known worldwide for their aggression and bites have caused fatalities every year,’ he said.
Mr Rumsey told Today Whiplash’s effort was ‘pretty incredible’.
‘It’s quite a large amount, it’s actually amazing work for a Coastal Taipan that he was able to produce so much.’
Snakes at the park are milked every two weeks as part of a venom program.
Head of reptiles at Australian Reptile Park Daniel Rumsey said Whiplash is one of the most dangerous snakes at the park, and ‘can be quite unpredictable’
Snakes at the park are milked every two weeks as part of a venom program
The venom is then used to produce antivenom, which is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings
The venom is then used to produce antivenom, which is used to treat certain venomous bites and stings.
‘We are the only facility in Australia that milks Taipans for the production of antivenom so Whiplash’s record-breaking contribution will go towards saving someone’s life.
‘Without the snakes, there is no antivenom.’
Mr Rumsey said generally three to four vials of antivenom are needed to recover from a Taipan bite.