List of fatal snake bites in Australia

Snakebite fatalities in Australia have declined significantly over time, from an average of 13 per year in the 1920s to just one or two annually today. This reduction is attributed to improved access to antivenom and better medical care. Australian snakes are highly venomous, with 10 of the world's most venomous species found there. Despite this, relatively little is known about the protein makeup of their venoms compared to those from other regions like Asia and America.

Globally, snakebites affect millions annually, resulting in over 125,000 deaths and significant long-term disabilities. The World Health Organization has classified snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease, calling for international cooperation to address it. In Australia, snakes are generally not aggressive and rarely seek confrontation with humans. Most bites occur when people attempt to catch or kill snakes, highlighting the importance of avoiding such actions.

Historical data shows notable fatality rates, including 56 deaths between 1942-1950 and 53 deaths from 1979-1998. The highest number of fatalities in a single period was recorded between 1945-1949, with 18 deaths in Queensland alone. Current medical advice recommends against washing the bite area to preserve venom residue for identification purposes, contrasting with older treatments like applying ligatures or scarifying the skin.

Overall, while Australian snakebite fatalities are rare due to effective medical interventions, global snakebite cases remain a significant public health concern.