Deciphering invertebrate venoms devastating Australia's pets and livestock (2026-2029)

Paralysis ticks and processionary caterpillars are two species of venomous invertebrate that wreak havoc on Australian pets and livestock. Tick paralysis affects ~10,000 animals yearly, causing hundreds of animal deaths. Ingestion of processionary caterpillars causes gravid mares to abort their foetuses. The neurotoxin responsible for tick paralysis has been identified, but it is unknown how it works, and it is unknown if caterpillar venom toxins contribute to equine foetal loss. This project aims to determine when tick neurotoxins are biosynthesised, and where and how they act; and what biological activities processionary caterpillar venom has, which toxins cause these bioactivities, and if venom contributes to equine foetal loss.