Over the span of 13 years, ranging from 2000 to 2013, a total of 74 deaths were caused by horses in Australia as compared to 27 deaths caused by venomous snakes and stinging insects. According to the report, it was noted that spiders did not cause a single death during the years of the study. Although the focus of the study was supposed to be on biting animals and stinging insects, researchers covered on the deaths caused by horses in Australia too.
According to Dr. Ronelle Welton, from the University of Melbourne who analyzed data of mortality rate and admissions, Australia is well known for having all things venomous. It is surprising for Dr. Welton to find that most insect bite victims were able to reach the hospital and were given treatment. Allergic reactions caused by stings and bites were also studied in the report, these are the most dangerous according to the report.
Horses in Australia are more likely to cause human death than these other venomous creatures. Accidents from horse backriding account for more deaths in Australia. The research concludes that insects and snakes caused the majority of injuries due to envenomation. Most of the deaths that occurred were at home and when access to health and medical care was not possible according to an article by the International Business Times.
There are 41 recorded deaths from venomous snake bites between 1980 and 2009. The average for snake related deaths is at an average of less than two per year. Nobody has died of spider bites in Australia since 1979 after the successful introduction of anti-venom. Sharks account for 25 deaths between 2000 and 2012 and averages about two deaths a year. Crocodiles account for less than 1 percent of deaths per year. Jellyfish account for less than one death per year as reported in an article by Bob In Oz.
