Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:30 PM AWST

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Undertake a vector borne diseases surveillance program

Undertake a vector borne diseases surveillance program

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFPH004A
State Code
AVV66
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit covers the competency required to undertake a vector borne diseases surveillance program within the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Collect and review data in preparation for surveillance activities
  • 1.1 Historical data is analysed to develop an understanding of known facts about the surveillance area and vectors.
  • 1.2 Climate and topography of surveillance area is reviewed to identify key locations of interest and optimal time to perform surveillance.
  • 1.3 Blood and/or mosquito samples are analysed using rapid test kits to identify the potential prevalence of vector borne diseases in surveillance area.
2. Perform surveillance of vectors
  • 2.1 Vector collection techniques are used to gather surveillance data.
  • 2.2 Surveillance equipment is used in accordance with operating instructions.
  • 2.3 Collected vectors are sorted and identified to enable further classification.
  • 2.4 Collected vectors are preserved for storage and transport.
3. Interpret and report data gathered from vector borne disease surveillance
  • 3.1 Surveillance data is interpreted to classify vectors to consider the risk of vector borne disease to personnel.
  • 3.2 Risk of vector borne disease occurrence is determined to aid environmental health planning and health promotion.
  • 3.3 Surveillance report is drafted and presented to relevant persons including recommendations on counter measures, to reduce the risk of vector borne disease to personnel.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Historical data may include:
Health intelligence reports
Government reports on health statistics
Scientific reports on health statistics
Vectors may include:
Cockroaches
Fleas
House flies
Lice
Mites
Mosquitoes
Phlebotomines (sandflies)
Ticks
Vector borne diseases may include:
Barmah Forest Fever
Epidemic typhus
Filariasis
Japanese encephalitis
Leishmaniasis
Leptospirosis
Malaria
Murray Valley Encephalitis
Plague
Relapsing fever
Ross River Fever
Sandfly fever
Schistosomiasis
Typhus
Yellow fever
Vector collection techniques may include:
Human landing biting collection
Larval collection
Light trap carbon dioxide collection
Sticky trap collection
Truck catch collection
Surveillance equipment may include:
Ladle
Light trap
Microscope
Mounting set adult
Mounting set larvae
Pipette
Sticky trap
Preserving collected vectors may include:
Alcohol
Pinned adults
Refrigeration
Slide mounted larvae
Surveillance data may include:
Breeding habits
Disease and health implications
Distribution
Life cycle
Location
Resting habits
Vector types
Relevant persons may include:
Activity commander
Environmental health officer
Team leader
Technical supervisor
Counter measures may include:
Avoiding known areas where vectors occur
Education
Impregnating clothing and bed nets with chemical protective barrier (Permethrin impregnation)
Selecting appropriate camp site
Sleeping under bed nets
Using protective clothing
Using repellents, insecticides
Wearing long sleeves, trousers, head nets, covered footwear
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
collect vectors
accurately identify vectors
demonstrate a knowledge of vector biology
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two assessment occasions.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace situation. This may be in an urban or a field setting.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
surveillance equipment
suitable environment/setting to collect vectors
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBC99 DEFPHL004 Undertake a vector borne diseases surveillance program Unit of competency
No information