ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Conduct pre-mulesing evaluations

1.1 Relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and animal welfare standards and guidelines are identified and complied with

1.2 Alternative strategies to manage flystrike susceptibility are discussed with sheep manager and carefully considered prior to undertaking mulesing procedures

1.3 Key indicators for use of mulesing are confirmed

1.4 Pre-operative evaluation of sheep is conducted

1.5 Risks associated with mulesing procedure are identified and discussed with sheep manager

2. Prepare for mulesing operations

2.1 Weather conditions are monitored to determine optimal conditions for operation and recovery

2.2 Time of day for operation is selected to minimise the separation time of lambs and ewes

2.3 Adequate numbers of skilled workers are engaged

2.4 Appropriate yards, paddocks and pastures are selected for each mob, for each day so that adequate time is allowed for mothering up

2.5 Low stress stock mustering, movement and handling procedures are followed

2.6 Lambs are allowed to settle and cool after yarding

2.7 All required supplies are identified and ordered in advance

3. Select, maintain and use appropriate equipment

3.1 All equipment is well-maintained and in a clean and hygienic condition to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

3.2 Cradles used for mulesing are maintained in good working order and operated to ensure minimal risk to the operator or lamb, especially when loading and unloading

3.3 Mulesing shears are appropriately set, ground and sharpened

3.4 Mulesing shears are disinfected after sharpening, before use, between each animal and at regular intervals during operations

3.5 Wash-down, soaking and disinfecting containers are prepared and ready for use

3.6 Chemical application equipment is prepared and tested to ensure operational efficiency

3.7 All equipment is cleaned and disinfected at the end of operations and stored appropriately to minimise contamination

4. Conduct mulesing procedures

4.1 All procedures are conducted in accordance with workplace health and safety standards and animal welfare considerations

4.2 A high standard of hygiene is maintained throughout the procedures in relation to facilities, hands, handling and equipment

4.3 Lambs are handled calmly and appropriately restrained, preferably in cradles

4.4 Mulesing procedure is performed in accordance with model code of practice mulesing technique

4.5 Pain relief is provided, in accordance with industry best practice and legislative requirements, and applied to the wound immediately after the procedure according to label and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) instructions

4.6 If required, appropriate chemical application equipment is used to apply insecticide dressing to the intact skin (not the wound), in accordance with the label and MSDS requirements, after the completion of the procedure

4.7 Wound symmetry, size and position, and breaks in selvage (muscle fascia) is continually evaluated

4.8 Lambs are removed from cradles so they land gently on all four feet

5. Follow post-mulesing management procedures

5.1 Following release lambs are allowed to 'mother-up' to ewes as soon as possible

5.2 Sheep manager is advised on the post-mulesing management requirements to assist with rapid mothering-up and convalescence

5.3 Required documentation and records are maintained and updated