The number of dogs to die in Australia from snake bites is set to reduce significantly thanks to a new antivenom developed by the CSIRO.
Australia is home to 10 of the most venomous snakes in the world and thousands of dogs are bitten each year.
CSIRO scientists, working with small Victorian biotech company Padula Serums, has produced a highly effective antivenom to treat eastern brown and tiger snake bites.
It's hoped the new treatment could also have applications for treating humans for snake bites or against the toxins of paralysing ticks.
CSIRO scientists are also researching the possibility of using a similar approach used in developing the new antivenom to treat viruses like Ebola.
The eastern brown snake rates number two on the list of the world's most venomous snakes, according to the Australia Zoo website.
The new antivenom is said to be more effective because of its distilled and concentrated formula.
"We used the latest technologies to make sure that the anti-venom is not only safe and effective but it's also a lot cheaper to produce compared to existing products," Prof George Lovrecz from the CSIRO said.
Prof Lovrecz says the antivenom has been tested and is ready to be injected into snake-bitten dogs.
However, it still needs to undergo final testing and given approval for sale from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority before it's available for use by vets.
