Traumatic injuries related to fishing nets (accidental catches)
The platypus is a semi-aquatic animal that must regularly come to the surface to breathe. When it finds itself trapped in a fishing net, a creel or an abandoned net, it can no longer reach the open air. This situation causes either rapid dr...
What is it?
The platypus is a semi-aquatic animal that must regularly come to the surface to breathe.
When it finds itself trapped in a fishing net, a creel or an abandoned net, it can no longer reach the open air.
This situation causes either rapid drowning or serious injury as the animal struggles to free itself.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
A platypus caught in a net may have deep wounds around the neck, limbs or tail where the mesh has squeezed the skin.
We sometimes observe significant swelling around these areas of stricture, lameness if a limb has been compressed for a long time, or difficulty breathing if the animal has been close to drowning.
The rescued animal is often down, immobile, and refuses to move or tries to hide.
In the most serious cases, the mucous membranes (mouth, gums) may appear pale, a sign of shock or blood loss.
Some wounds, left untreated, do not heal properly and become infected.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The direct cause is mechanical: the animal remains stuck in the mesh of a submerged net, which prevents it from coming up to breathe.
The nets in question are most often fishing gillnets, poorly designed crayfish traps (yabby traps), or nets and lines abandoned in rivers and lakes (“ghost nets”).
The platypus, curious and active at night, explores baited traps or finds itself trapped while swimming in a fishing area.
Areas of rivers and lakes close to recreational or commercial fishing areas are most affected.
Crayfish traps not equipped with air evacuation holes, or left submerged for too long without supervision, greatly increase the risk.
Nets abandoned or lost in the water remain dangerous for a long time.
Young platypuses and animals active at night (when they forage for food) are particularly exposed.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
A veterinarian or wildlife care center assesses the animal's general condition: looking for wounds, fractures, signs of partial drowning (respiratory distress), and shock.
A complete clinical examination is necessary, supplemented if necessary by x-rays to check for fractures, and blood samples to assess the general condition and look for infection.
Treatment
Treatment includes cleaning and trimming wounds, antibiotic therapy to prevent or treat infection, anti-inflammatories and painkillers, as well as supportive care (warming, fluids) in the event of shock.
Surgery may be necessary to repair deeply injured tissue.
Release into the wild is only considered after complete recovery and confirmation by a veterinarian specializing in wildlife that the animal can swim and hunt normally again.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is mainly based on fishing management measures: banning or strict supervision of crayfish traps in areas where the platypus lives, obligation to have air evacuation holes on traps, rapid removal of nets and fishing gear after use, and reporting of lost nets.
Fishermen and local residents can help by regularly checking their gear and avoiding leaving it submerged unattended at night.
Regular cleaning of waterways to remove abandoned nets also limits accidents.
Possible complications
Stricture wounds can become deeply infected and damage important structures such as blood vessels, nerves or tendons.
Prolonged compression of a limb can lead to loss of function or even require amputation.
Partial drowning can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Without intervention, death by drowning or shock is common.
When to see a veterinarian
A platypus found caught in a net or trap, alive or apparently inanimate
Presence of deep wounds, swelling or blood on the neck, limbs or tail
Animal found lethargic, unable to swim normally or move around
Difficult or noisy breathing after being released from a net
Any injured wild animal must be promptly handed over to an authorized care center, without any attempt at prolonged handling by the public.
Prognosis
The prognosis strongly depends on the speed of discovery and treatment.
An animal released quickly, without serious injury or prolonged drowning, has a good chance of survival after some treatment.
On the other hand, a prolonged immersion time or deep, infected wounds significantly worsen the prognosis.
Net capture remains a significant cause of accidental mortality in this species throughout its range.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the platypus die so quickly in a net?
It is an animal that breathes air like us. If he cannot rise to the surface because he is stuck, he will drown in just a few minutes.
What should I do if I find a platypus caught in a net?
It should be gently released from the water if possible without injury, then contact a wildlife care center or veterinarian immediately, even if the animal appears to be moving normally.
Are crayfish traps really dangerous for this species?
Yes, it is one of the major causes of accidental mortality documented in Australia, particularly traps without an air evacuation system left submerged overnight.
Can a rescued platypus be released quickly?
No, he must first be examined and treated by a professional, then observed until he regains his full ability to swim and hunt before returning to the wild.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 02 September 2026
Comments (0)
No comments yet.
AT A GLANCE
Need a veterinarian?
Find a practitioner near you on TunisieVet, with their specialities, hours and contact details.
Find a veterinarianCategories
Affected species
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.
Thinking of welcoming a pet? Dogs and cats are waiting for a family in Tunisia, and adoption is completely free.
Adoption listingsTo discover
Related diseases and linked Animalia content.
Cetacean Morbillivirus
Viral
Brucellosis of cetaceans
Bacterial
Gastrointestinal Roundworm Parasitism in Killer Whales
Parasitic
Metabolic bone disease
Other
TunisieVet in your pocket 📱🐾 Access your veterinary services wherever you are. [ Download the app ]
Learn more