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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
Commonly available rodents and rabbits may include: | companion animal pets:guinea pigsmiceratsstrains and breeds of animals used in research facilities:guinea pigsmiceratstransgenic mice, rats and rabbits. |
Behavioural characteristics may include: | behaviour characteristics can vary according to:environmental conditions due to:lightingnoisepeoplerelative humiditytemperaturethe breeding seasonthe species, breed, age and sex of the animalsthe time of day or nightbehaviour characteristics associated with different species:activity levels at certain times of day or nightfeeding and foragingfight or flightsocial interactionfeeding behavioursenurination/sprayingdefensive behaviour:barberingbitingdefending territory, other animals or foodhair on topline being raisedposturelordosisreproductive behaviourstereotypical behaviour:repetitive patternsself-mutilationrestlessnesssubmissive gestures:lowering bodyrolling onto backtail between legsturning away from handler or other animals. |
Colours, markings and other identifying features may include: | age, sex and sizecoat or skin colours and textureeye colourmarkings, patterns and permanent scars toe nail colourmicrochip, ear tags, tattoos and markings and leg bands. |
Signs of distressed rodents and rabbits may include: | aggressive behaviourbarberingexcessive groomingill-thriftinappetanceposture'starry coat' (hair on end and in disarray)subdued behaviourtremblingvocalisation. |
Housing design and environmental factors may include: | environmental:biological control of wastecleaning routines and methodsdetergent and disinfectant typesdrainage and weather protectiongeneral animal housing securityhousing furniturelocal council requirements related to:limits to numbers and types of animals allowedpest controlrestricting access to animalswaste managementventilation, heating and cooling requirementshousing design:housing options:barrier maintainedcagedfully enclosedindividually ventilated cagesindoormetabolism cagesnaturalisticoutdoorhousing requirements:bedding and nesting materialscompatibility of species housed togetherfood and water distributionsecurity considerationslongevity and sturdiness of materialssuitability for specific speciesspecies specific options for animals to hide or restdesigns that allow for enrichment activities or species specific feeding or socialisingsocial options:solitarypairssingle sexed groupspolyandrous/polygamous groupsmixed speciestemporary pairsneutered companion pairing. |
Enrichment needs may include: | food or food-related enrichment: giving animals opportunities to forage for food by hiding it in substratesgiving the animal food that requires processing (e.g. peeling or shelling fruit or seeds)physical enrichment items:gnawing manipuladahide boxes, tunnels and laddersnest building or bedding material:shredded paperstrawsubstrate or wood shavingsnon-edible items that can be easily added or removed from the environment, such as toys (e.g. balls, bells, puzzles, mirrors and keyrings)perches, roosting shelves and nest boxessocial enrichment:levels of contact with other animals of the same species or breedsocial interactions between the animal and the carer may also be appropriate. |
Welfare of animals requirements may include: | adequate housing, nutrition and stock levelscompliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations, including the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposesdisease prevention, control and treatmentenrichment opportunitiesthe absence of pests and verminthe compatibility of species and breeds. |
OHS risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuriesbiological hazardous waste and sharps disposalhandling of chemicals and medicinesgas leakageinhalation of aerosol particlesintraocular contaminationmanual handling, including carrying, lifting and shiftingneedle pricks and cuts from other sharpsrelease of infective agents (animal and human)scalds and burns from sterilising and cleaning equipmentslippery or uneven work surfaceszoonoses. |
Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain rodents and rabbits may include: | cages, bags and towelscollars and leadstreats and toys. |
Methods used to approach and catch rodents and rabbits may include: | calling animal by nameencouraging animal to approach by offering a treatgently conditioning by repeated positive capture and release programsquietly approaching animal and gently catching and holder with handsquietly and gently running animal into a smaller enclosure or bag. |
Common health issues may include: | behavioural disordersenvironmental hazards:exposure to the elementsextreme ventilation rateshumidity extremesinadequate exercisetemperature extremesinfectious diseases caused by:bacteria, virus, fungus, mould and protozoa internal and external parasitesnon-infection diseases:nutritional imbalances and disruptionsgenetic disordersmetabolicneoplasticphysical traumaspost operative infectionschemical toxicities and allergieszoonotic diseases. |
General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include: | daily observation and record keepingroutine health check-upcontrol of parasites and protozoagroomingimmunisation/vaccinations, as requiredinsect controlprophylactic health programsquarantine and isolationroutine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination. |
Digestive system features may include: | anatomical features:mouth and teeth structuressalivary glandsdigestive chemicals and bacteriaalimentary canal, stomach, liver and pancreasintestines, rectum and anusphysiological features:eating processesnutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods waste eliminationfeeding patternspotential digestive system malfunctions or problemswater needs. |
Feeding hazards to animals and humans in food preparation and distribution may include: | animal movement and handlingshelf life of foodstuffsmanual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipmentcontamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sourcesorganic and other dustsexcessive noisepossibility of zoonotic infection. |
Documentation on the care and management of rodents and rabbits may include: | accident and incident recordsAnimal Ethics Committee protocolsanimal feeding, health and treatment recordsanimal identification and historyanimal production recordsanimal sale and disposition recordschemical and veterinary supplies registerdiary, rosters and task completion and timeframe recordsequipment use, damage and repair registerOHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other recordsprovisions records of current stock and items used and items requiredstock control records:animal stocksupplies and equipment stock. |