Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:10 PM AWST

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Implement a horse health program

Implement a horse health program

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMEQU305
State Code
ODV58
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/02/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/05/2022
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
25/05/2022
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to implement existing health programs for horses. It involves prevention and treatment of illness and injury by implementing program health management strategies, including vaccination, parasite control and hoof and teeth care. The unit also covers treatment of horse illnesses and injuries with advice from professionals if required.This unit applies to workers who apply technical knowledge and skills with discretion and judgement to care for horses in a range of environments. They work under broad direction, coordinate activities, solve predictable and unpredictable problems and may have responsibility for highly valuable animals.Commonwealth and state/territory health and safety and animal welfare legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to interacting with horses apply to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and jurisdictions.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to implement a health program
  • 1.1 Review equine facility program and records and determine the procedures and treatments required
  • 1.2 Review individual horse care program and records and determine horse procedures and treatments required
  • 1.3 Schedule resources and horse procedures and treatments required according to workplace program and procedures
  • 1.4 Carry out risk assessment prior to handling horses and implementing health procedures and/or treatments
  • 1.5 Implement personal hygiene and biosecurity practices applicable to administering horse health procedures and/or treatments
2. Implement a vaccination program
  • 2.1 Identify hazards, and assess and control risks related to storing, accessing and administering vaccines for horses
  • 2.2 Select and fit personal protective equipment (PPE) according to workplace safety and biosecurity requirements
  • 2.3 Confirm horse identification and vaccination dose required
  • 2.4 Restrain horse appropriately, and administer vaccine to horse using safe and low stress handling techniques
  • 2.5 Store unused vaccines and dispose of waste products according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
  • 2.6 Update horse vaccination records
3. Implement a parasite control program
  • 3.1 Identify hazards, and assess and control risks related to implementing horse parasite control activities
  • 3.2 Select and fit PPE according to workplace safety and biosecurity requirements
  • 3.3 Examine horse and recognise signs and extent of external and internal parasites
  • 3.4 Select correct treatments for specified parasites, restrain horse appropriately and apply to horse according to manufacturer instructions
  • 3.5 Apply programs to minimise or eliminate parasites in horse environment
  • 3.6 Store leftover products and dispose of waste according to workplace, environmental and biosecurity requirements
4. Implement a hoof care program
  • 4.1 Restrain horse appropriately, and provide routine hoof care for individual horse
  • 4.2 Identify and report common hoof diseases and injuries, and provide or arrange treatment according to workplace procedures
  • 4.3 Identify and report common gait and hoof abnormalities, and provide or arrange treatment according to workplace procedures
  • 4.4 Update hoof care records
5. Implement a dental program
  • 5.1 Identify signs of common dental diseases and abnormalities, and report according to workplace procedure
  • 5.2 Arrange dental treatment according to workplace procedures
  • 5.3 Update dental care records
6. Treat horse illness or injury
  • 6.1 Select and fit PPE required for horse handling and treatment
  • 6.2 Confirm horse identification and restrain horse securely using safe and low stress practices
  • 6.3 Restrain horse appropriately, assess illness or injury status and determine action required, including professional advice and/or treatment
  • 6.4 Consult with owner and/or manager in relation to action or treatment required
  • 6.5 Restrain horse appropriately, and apply poultices, dressings and other prescribed treatment to horse using appropriate application tools, methods and safe and low stress practices
  • 6.6 Store unused treatment and dispose of waste products according to manufacturer instructions and environmental requirements
  • 6.7 Clean, disinfect and store equipment used in treating horses according to infection control and workplace requirements
  • 6.8 Monitor horse recovery and update treatment records
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD31 ACMPHR302 Maintain health and welfare of performance horses Unit of competency
BBE14 ACMHBR308 Maintain horses in a healthy state Unit of competency
BBD78 ACMHBR310 Prevent and treat equine injury and disease Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJB3 AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture Qualification
BHN7 ACM30821 Certificate III in Horse Care Qualification