Cane toads are one of Australia 's most invasive pests , and pose a huge threat to native species . But now they could be turned into a successful commodity . Their venom could be effective in fighting cancer , researchers have discovered , and the potency of Australian cane toad 's venom is stronger than those in China . This means that potentially millions of toads could be shipped to China , so they could have their venom extracted and turned into medicine , to be sold on the multi-billion dollar traditional medicine market . Millions of Australian cane toads could be shipped to China so their potent venom can be used in cancer medicine . Harendra Parekh , from the University of Queensland 's pharmacy department where the research took place , said this discovery could lead to a 'potentially a very lucrative export market ' . 'People are killing cane toads by the millions for free , but it ’ s potentially a very lucrative export market for Australia with the Chinese being extremely interested in naturally derived health products , ' Dr Parekh said in an article published by the UOQ . He added that the Australian cane toad has close similarities to the Asiatic species , 'whose venom has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years . ' The venom would likely be mixed with herbs and sold in tablet form ( file photo ) Cane toads are a pest in Australia , which were introduced in Queensland in 1935 to control cane beetles . 'We already have several companies interested , as the Chinese value Australian toads because of the environment they enjoy here , ' Dr Parekh said . The researcher spoke to the Guardian Australia about how the cane toad 's venom could be used as a medicine , and said it would most likely appear in a tablet form . 'We could process the venom for medicine , ideally in a tablet because it tastes absolutely awful if you drink it , ' Dr Parekh said . New research shows that the pests could be turned into a huge economic commodity . 'Look at lamb , beef and chicken – these Australian products are seen as premium goods in China . Cane toads would be no different . They ’ d be premium cane toads . ' The can toads would be squeezed for their potent venom which would then be mixed with herbs and turned into medicine . The venom extraction can be done while the toads are alive . Cane toads were first introduced to Queensland in 1935 , in an attempt to control cane beetles . However , like rabbits , they quickly multiplied are were deemed a pest . They have since spread to New South Wales , West Australia and the Northern Territory .
Cane toad venom could be used in medicines to battle cancer . Millions of toads could be exported to China for use in traditional remedies . Australian cane toads are healthier than those found in Asia . Comment: