Elements and Performance Criteria
- Determine health strategy for livestock
- Livestock condition is monitored and risks to health and welfare are identified based on property history, type of livestock and external disease threats.
- A program of monitoring parasite and disease status is implemented.
- Preventative health strategies based on integrated controls and production requirements are documented in a livestock health plan.
- Treatments based on veterinary medicines are integrated with other parasite and disease control strategies, if applicable.
- Treatment program, procedures and operations are planned to meet livestock health requirements, legislative and enterprise requirements.
- Facilities and equipment required to implement health strategy are identified and arranged according to industry standards and enterprise requirements.
- Staff is briefed with details of treatment programs, schedules and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues.
- Implement treatment program
- Diagnosis of livestock condition is made systematically with reference to all symptoms and signs according to veterinary guidelines.
- Complex problems or signs of disease are referred for specialist advice and treatment.
- Treatment is planned and administered according to veterinary guidelines, legislative requirements, and animal welfare codes of practice.
- Control measures are carried out as required to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- Procedures for reporting notifiable diseases are implemented according to legislative requirements.
- Manage livestock welfare
- Requirements of the animal welfare code of practice are integrated into the production plan and enterprise procedures.
- Livestock are continually monitored for access to feed and water and health status.
- Injured or sick animals are treated and monitored, or euthanased if required.
- Susceptible animals are provided with adequate shade and shelter.
- Welfare issues are documented and accurate records are maintained according to industry standards, legislative and enterprise requirements.
- Monitor health strategy
- Withholding periods for veterinary medicines are noted and complied with according to manufacturer's instructions and legislative requirements.
- Livestock are monitored post-treatment for evidence of treatment effectiveness and any further health problems.
- Treatment outcomes and processes are reviewed for effective management planning and best practice.
- Animal health procedures are evaluated in a review of the animal health plan.
- Travel and quarantine restrictions are identified and complied with.
- Surplus health supplies are stored according to manufacturer's recommendations and enterprise requirements.
- Data is documented and accurate records are maintained according to industry standards, legislative and enterprise requirements.