Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:08 AM AWST

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Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock

Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK346
State Code
OFF87
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/02/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
061101 - Veterinary Science
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out post-mortem examination of livestock.This unit applies to individuals who carry out post-mortem examination of livestock under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace, and animal welfare legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to conduct post-mortem/necropsy
  • 1.1 Select site for post-mortem, ensuring compliance with biosecurity and environment requirements
  • 1.2 Prepare post-mortem site
  • 1.3 Collect and collate all relevant preliminary information about the carcass to be examined
  • 1.4 Identify workplace health and safety and biosecurity hazards, and implement safe working practices to manage risks
  • 1.5 Select, fit, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) applicable to the task
  • 1.6 Select, check and prepare equipment and resources required to complete post-mortem examination
  • 1.7 Move the animal to be examined to the post-mortem area using appropriate manual lifting techniques and equipment where applicable
  • 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, injury or abnormality
  • 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 labelled containers according to 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 according to biosecurity and environment requirements and legislation
  • 3.2 Send labelled and packaged samples to the laboratory for analysis according to workplace, environment and biosecurity requirements
  • 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, disinfect, store and dispose of equipment, materials and PPE according to workplace procedures
  • 3.5 Clean and disinfect site used for the post-mortem according to workplace procedures
  • 3.6 Wash hands and exposed body areas thoroughly
  • 3.7 Change clothing and disinfect boots according to workplace procedures
  • 3.8 Identify and report unserviceable equipment and PPE according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAR41 AHCLSK304 Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock Unit of competency