Envenoming and natural toxins in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand is only home to a small number of venomous creatures. This chapter aims to examine New Zealand’s venomous creatures, including their habitats and distribution, the clinical effects that might arise following envenoming, and the appropriate medical treatment required. The hazardous creatures discussed include spiders (katipo and redback spiders, white-tailed spiders), other insects (bees, wasps, and centipedes), and marine animals (stingrays, scorpion fish, sea urchins, bluebottle jellyfish, and sea snakes). These animals are found in a range of different habitats throughout the country and, depending on the animal encountered, can produce a wide array of adverse effects following bites or stings. Overall, envenoming from venomous creatures is not common in New Zealand. If envenoming does occur, it is rarely fatal; however, it does have the potential to cause significant morbidity.