Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:19 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock

Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK304A
State Code
D6949
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
060113 - Pathology
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit covers the process of conducting a post-mortem examination of an animal or bird under limited supervision and following established procedures, and defines the standard required to: use knives and other cutting equipment safely; handle dead animals and birds without risk to self or others; accurately cut open an animal or bird for post mortem examination; collect relevant and useable data and biological samples before and as part of the post mortem to enable an accurate diagnosis of the cause of death; carry out preparation, labelling and packaging of biological and potentially hazardous samples.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to conduct post-mortem
  • 1.1. Site for post-mortem is selected, taking into account proximity to other facilities and environmental implications.
  • 1.2. The site to be used for the post-mortem is prepared by cleaning, and by ensuring that it is located away from other livestock, and that blood and fluids will not be able to contaminate surrounding areas or facilities.
  • 1.3. All relevant preliminary information about the animal or bird to be examined is collated or obtained.
  • 1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with the procedure are identified and appropriate action is taken.
  • 1.5. Correct clothing, equipment and resources are obtained and prepared for use
  • 1.6. The animal to be examined is moved to the post mortem area using appropriate manual lifting techniques and/or equipment.
  • 1.7. Expert assistance is sought if required.
2. Carry out post-mortem examination
  • 2.1. External assessment is carried out and outward signs of disease or injury are noted.
  • 2.2. Where unusual symptoms are present, expert advice and assistance is sought before proceeding.
  • 2.3. Animal or bird is cut open without cutting stomach cavity or organs using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • 2.4. Organs, tissues and joints are examined.
  • 2.5. Samples of organs and other tissues are taken where appropriate, and placed in labelled containers to meet enterprise and laboratory requirements.
  • 2.6. Details of all features examined and the possible cause of death are recorded according to enterprise procedures.
3. Prepare samples and maintain hygiene and biosecurity
  • 3.1. Carcass is disposed of using appropriate equipment according to enterprise quarantine and other procedures.
  • 3.2. Correctly labelled and packaged samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis.
  • 3.3. All preliminary information about the animal or bird examined and the records of observations made during the post-mortem are collated and forwarded to supervisor or veterinarian for analysis and diagnosis.
  • 3.4. All equipment used is cleaned and disinfected after use and before putting away.
  • 3.5. Area used for the post-mortem is cleaned and, where appropriate, disinfected.
  • 3.6. Disposable gloves are disinfected before being disposed of according to enterprise procedures
  • 3.7. Hands are thoroughly washed.
  • 3.8. Clothing is changed and placed in appropriate bin for laundering and boots are disinfected if appropriate.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Post-mortems may include:
those carried out on livestock on the farm or conducted in a separate work area or laboratory.
post-mortems can be carried out on:
cattle
sheep
goats
alpacas
pigs
poultry.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
use knives and other cutting equipment safely
handle dead animals and birds without risk to self or others
accurately cut open an animal or bird for post mortem examination
collect relevant and useable data and biological samples before and as part of the post mortem to enable an accurate diagnosis of the cause of death
carry out preparation, labelling and packaging of biological and potentially hazardous samples.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3426 RTE3140A Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAR41 AHCLSK304 Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock Unit of competency