Competence in preventing and treating equine injury and disease requires evidence of the ability to recognise common ailments, identify and report abnormal conditions, treat present equine injury and disease, and perform preventative actions such as stable hygiene practices and quarantine procedures to prevent its recurrence.

The skills and knowledge required to prevent and treat equine injury and disease must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, if competent is evident in the application of disease preventative procedures such as maintaining stable hygiene, it must also indicate competence to apply such measures across a range of horse breeds and uses.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

common horse diseases

the range of common ailments that may occur or affect horses

the application of a range of treatments under veterinary supervision

methods of horse handling

environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise

the organisations livestock production and management plans - sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris from the livestock operations

relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors

the need to maximise hygiene practices and awareness

potential hazards associated with the operation of basic tools, and equipment

relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS, and the use and control of machinery and equipment.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle horses and duties around them in a firm but calm, gentle and unhurried manner

identify signs of ill health and injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite

handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required

complete horse health and medication records clearly, accurately and in line with established practice for such records

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (2) be applied?

In communicating with suppliers and the horse-property network.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (2)?

In daily horse observations.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

By arranging horse husbandry activities.

4. How can team work (3) be applied?

In working with other to carry out disease prevention and treatment.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?

In calculating dosage and bodyweight.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

When dealing with injury or disease outbreaks.

7. How can the use of technology (2) be applied?

In communicating and calculating.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

RTE3104A - Carry out basic dentition care procedures on horses

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What are some abnormal conditions?

Abnormal conditions include abnormal urine or manure, and absence of variation in quantity of same.

What are some life threatening ailments?

Life threatening ailments may include twisted bowel, colic, and malpresentation of foals.

What might be checked to distinguish ill health?

One might check nasal, vaginal or rectal discharge, rectal temperature, abnormal respiration, abnormal coat conditions, lameness, agitation, and kicking repeatedly.

What does the taking of rectal temperature determine?

In some establishments, the taking of rectal temperature prior to work may identify a range of preclinical symptoms of respiratory infection or other illness which would not otherwise be identified.

What behaviour or conditions might be reported?

Weaving, deprived appetite or other boredom conditions that may reflect on the health of stabled horses.

In what situations may initial first aid procedures be required?

Initial first aid procedures may be required in situations such as bleeding, or cast horses.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?

All working routines for horses must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare.

Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and control measures lead to safe work systems and procedures. Actions aim to:

safe work systems and procedures

reduce kicks, bites and crushing injuries from horses; this will include using calm and positive actions to avoid alarming stock

for restraining horses while working on them

handling veterinarian products safely, including vaccines, needles and syringes

preventing infection from injured/sick stock

safe manual handling systems and procedures

Clear communication between workers, especially when working together within a close proximity.

Selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective clothing and equipment.

What organisation procedures may apply to this standard?

Work procedures will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes, product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What information might be recorded and reported?

Dates, times and periods of care given and readings taken, chemicals, medications and other substances used including quantities and methods, and readings from temperature gauges. Record keeping systems used may be either paper-based or digital, and information will be recorded into logbooks or other records.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.