Australia's self-inflicted cane toad invasion may soon be over after scientists cracked the deadly amphibian's DNA code.

International scientists working with the University of NSW, the University of Sydney and Deakin University have unlocked more than 90 per cent of the invasive amphibian's genome.

Scientists hope viruses in the cane toad's DNA could be weaponised to turn the tables on the pest. Credit:University of New South Wales

The poisonous toads have wreaked havoc on northern quolls, freshwater crocodiles and several species of native lizards and snakes since their introduction in Queensland in 1935 to help control cane beetles.

Millions of toads now occupy more than 1.2 million square kilometres of Australia following a seemingly unstoppable march across the top end.