Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out post-mortem examination of livestock.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities, work in a range of known contexts and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources
Individuals must comply with national and local regulations for disposal of the carcass.
Individuals must comply with regulations for sending of biological samples by post.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to conduct post-mortem / necropsy | 1.1 Select site for post-mortem, ensuring compliance with biosecurity and environmental requirements 1.2 Prepare the site to be used for the post-mortem 1.3 Obtain and collate all relevant preliminary information about the carcass to be examined 1.4 Identify work health and safety and biosecurity hazards, assess risks and take appropriate action 1.5 Select and use personal protective equipment 1.6 Obtain and prepare required equipment and resources 1.7 Move the animal to be examined to the post mortem area using appropriate manual lifting techniques and equipment 1.8 Seek expert assistance if required |
2. Carry out post-mortem examination | 2.1 Carry out external assessment and note outward signs of disease or injury 2.2 Seek expert advice and assistance before proceeding where unusual symptoms are present 2.3 Perform post mortem of the carcass in a systematic and safe manner using appropriate techniques and equipment, without causing artificial damage to organs and tissues 2.4 Examine organs, tissues and joints 2.5 Take samples of organs and tissues where appropriate, and place in properly labelled containers to meet laboratory requirements 2.6 Record relevant data and details of the post mortem examination and suggest the cause of death where possible |
3. Carry out post necropsy procedures | 3.1 Dispose of carcass and biological materials using appropriate equipment and comply with biosecurity and environment al requirements, and national and local regulations for carcass disposal 3.2 Send labelled and packaged samples to the laboratory for analysis and comply with regulations for sending biological samples by post 3.3 Collate all information about the livestock examined and the records made during the post-mortem, and forward to supervisor or veterinarian for analysis and establishing a diagnosis 3.4 Clean and disinfect all equipment used and store appropriately 3.5 Clean and disinfect site used for the post-mortem 3.6 Disinfect disposable personal protective equipment before disposing them 3.7 Wash hands and exposed body areas thoroughly 3.8 Change clothing and place in appropriate bin for laundering and disinfect boots |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
prepare for post mortem, ensuring appropriate handling and use of equipment, personal protective equipment and disinfectants
identify work health and safety and biosecurity hazards and implement risk controls
handle carcasses safely and appropriately
perform external examination and post mortem examination of carcass
dispose of carcass appropriately
carry out post necropsy procedures of cleaning and disinfection of equipment, post mortem site and personal protective equipment
prepare biological samples for sending to the laboratory where appropriate
carry out procedures for personal hygiene
apply relevant work health safety environmental and biosecurity requirements and practices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
sequence of actions in conducting a post mortem examination
appropriate handling and use of post mortem equipment, personal protective equipment and disinfectants
requirements for correct preparation, labelling and packaging of biological samples
anatomy and physical features of the species being examined
common causes of death for the species being examined
typical signs of pathology in major organs
typical symptoms and clinical signs of notifiable diseases in the relevant species
relevant work health and safety environmental and biosecurity requirements, and carcass disposal regulations
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace and/or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessments for the following performance evidence must be conducted on a livestock carcass:
carry out post mortem examination
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Livestock (LSK)