Management overview for funnel-web spider bite

Funnel-web spiders (Atrax and Hadronyche species) are the most dangerous spiders in Australia. They can cause severe, life-threatening envenoming; however, this is rare (only two cases annually). Severe envenoming has been reported in eastern Australia, from southern coastal New South Wales up to southern coastal Queensland, where funnel-web spiders are endemic. Six species of funnel-web spiders have been implicated, including the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus), the southern tree funnel-web spider (Hadronyche cerberea) and the northern tree funnel-web spider (Hadronyche formidabilis).

Management for a funnel-web spider bite includes application of a pressure bandage, and complete immobilisation of the affected limb and patient, resuscitation and, if required, funnel-web spider antivenom administration.