Snakes are out and active

It's that time of year, the snakes are out and active.
While snake bite can cause death of livestock, it is worth remembering that sudden death of livestock can be due to several different causes.
Often an animal found dead in the paddock is attributed to snake bite when in fact it is due to something else.
All livestock are sensitive to the effects of snake venom, with horses particularly so.
The effects of snake bite depend on the size and species of the snake, the period since it last bit something, plus the size of the bitten animal and the location of the bite.
Signs of snake bite are variable, but in general, snake venom paralyses muscles.
Affected animals develop muscular tremors and a staggery gait. They become unable to swallow and dribble saliva due to paralysis of the tongue.
From there they collapse, have trouble breathing and finally die from respiratory failure.
If an animal receives a small dose of venom it may recover after an illness of one to five days.
Snake bite can be difficult to diagnose at post-mortem since the small puncture wounds and local swelling are difficult to find in a large animal.
Often a diagnosis is based on the sighting of a snake and the exclusion of other diseases.
The only effective treatment for snake bite is snake antivenom given urgently.
The correct anti-venom for the species of snake identified needs to be given. If in doubt a polyvalent anti-venom is provided.
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.