ABSTRACT
Australian snakebite management advice is available from the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. There are no endemic venomous snakes in New Zealand, although poisons prevention and education including toxinology advice is available from the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766. Snake bite is exceedingly rare in the UK, but may present in zookeepers and herpetologists, or following a mishap with an exotic pet. Make sure that first aid has been applied to impede the spread of venom through local lymphatics, using a pressure bandage with immobilization technique. Snakes of the viper species include the North American rattlesnake, the African rhinoceros viper and the adder, which is the only naturally occurring venomous snake in the UK. The majority of spider bites are associated with local symptoms of pain and erythema. Certain species are associated with significant envenomation, and may be fatal.
