Elements and Performance Criteria
- Monitor and assess pig health and welfare
- Regular checks are taken to assess pig health and welfare according to the requirements of the organisation.
- Symptoms of ill health and common diseases or parasite infestations are recognised and reported.
- Pig health and welfare status is recorded in accordance with enterprise procedures.
- Where signs indicate an unusual disease immediate advice is sought from supervisors, veterinarian and appropriate authorities.
- Provide an optimal environment for pigs
- Optimal environment is correctly and safely provided for pigs according to organisation practice, the code of welfare and relevant regulations
- Temperature control equipment is correctly monitored, and operated to ensure optimal temperatures for pigs.
- Welfare of pigs is monitored and abnormalities are reported promptly.
- Information which is relevant, complete, legible and accurate is recorded on shed conditions, according to enterprise procedures.
- Establish and maintain shed hygiene
- Organisational Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures, practices, policies and precautions are observed and followed, including the use of personal protective equipment.
- Cleanliness and hygiene are maintained by selecting and using appropriate methods according to organisation practice.
- Quarantine procedures are maintained as instructed to minimise the risks of disease introduction to the shed.
- Thorough personal hygiene practices are maintained in all activities associated with handling pigs, including reducing risks from zoonotic diseases.
- Rooms, machines and surfaces are cleaned to industry standards.
- All waste and debris is placed in allocated containers and disposed of according to organisation hygiene standards.
- Administer medication to pigs
- Vaccines and veterinary chemicals appropriate to the operation are stored or frozen and labelled in controlled or refrigerated conditions.
- Routine prevention procedures for disease or parasite infestation are safely carried out.
- Quantities of medication are accurately measured for administration according to clear organisation instruction and manufacturer's instructions.
- Vaccination is carried out under instruction as required according to organisation procedures.
- Vaccinated and non-vaccinated pigs are identified in shed records.
- Remove non-viable pigs
- Sick pigs are safely treated and dead pig are removed and disposed of according to industry standards of health and hygiene and the quality assurance program.
- Disease incidence, pig losses, and treatments are recorded accurately according to organisation practice and relevant regulations.
- Unhealthy/non-viable pigs are recognised, reported and dealt with according to organisation policy and quality assurance program.
- Post-mortem assistance is provided where necessary according to organisation practice.
- Keep and maintain records
- Disease incidence, pig losses, and treatments are recorded accurately according to organisation practice and relevant regulations.
- Disease information is reported to the unit manager so that prevention strategies can be planned and implemented.
- All records made, kept and maintained are clear, accurate, and follow the guidelines laid down by industry and the organisation.