What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in this standard requires evidence of the ability to implement effective preventative health regimes for the control of parasites It involves the ability to safely handle animals determine the type and scope of treatment observe withholding periods and monitor animals for treatment effectiveness and abnormalities Competence must be demonstrated in safe and positive environmental workplace practices

The skills and knowledge required must be transferable to another environment For example if competence is evident in carrying out a parasite control program for sheep it must also be evident that these skills may be adapted to a program for goats and beef cattle

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

application procedures and effects of veterinary chemicals

types of health preparation treatments

enterprise vaccination program and procedures

identification of and prescribed treatments for infections and infestations

livestock health and nutritional requirements

types of parasite infestation and their symptoms

grazing management strategies used in internal parasite control

requirements for the preparation and transportation of faecal samples

drenching equipment drenches and their efficiency

relevant codes of practice with regard to the safe use and handling of hazardous substances

withholding periods for treated animals

animal handling and restraint techniques

OHS legislative requirements

relevant codes of practice with regard to environmental protection

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

select and apply chemicals appropriate to treat infections and infestations

collect faecal tissue or blood samples for laboratory analysis samples

treat rectal prolapse

select and prepare livestock for culling

arrange and coordinate equipment and resources

weigh and drench livestock

assemble check and calibrate drenching equipment

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

provide due care and humanely handle animals

return animals to prepared and clean environments

identify the symptoms of parasite infestation

read and interpret chemical and veterinary health labels manufacturers specifications and MSDS

communicate verbally with the work team and the manager

calculate animal numbers and measure treatment dosage and rates

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 not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information with regard to evidence of parasitic infection may be discussed and confirmed with veterinary medicine suppliers and animal health personnel

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information on animal testing may be collected and organised by reports for future analysis of parasite control and management

How are activities planned and organised

The treatment process may be planned and coordinated with work schedules and timeframes or sequenced as required

How can team work be applied

In the application of methods and procedures to complete the treatment program within timeframes and deadlines

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical techniques may be used to calculate treatment dosage and rates for the severity of the infection or infestation

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems of large infestations or disease outbreaks may be resolved by isolation procedures

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be used to communicate source information and to estimate levels of infection or infestation

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

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

What types of animals may be covered by this standard?

What types of infections or parasites does this unit cover?

What factors may be considered in determining and preparing animal treatments?

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?

What range of equipment and materials may be prepared for use?

What enterprise requirements may apply to this standard?

What may be involved in preparing the treatment site?

What existing and potential hazards may be encountered in the workplace?

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

What might be involved in animal restraint procedures?

What may be involved in the preparation and movement of animals?

What environmental implications may be relevant to this standard?

What type of animal residues may be disposed of?

What storage requirements may be observed?

What relevant information might be recorded and reported?