Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:04 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.

Prevent and treat equine injury and disease

Prevent and treat equine injury and disease

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCHBR306A
State Code
D6832
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
05/12/2011
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
05/12/2011
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the process of preventing and treating injuries and disease in horses and defines the standard required to: recognise common ailments; identify signs of ill health and injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite; handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required; treat equine injury and disease; complete horse health and medication records; perform preventative actions such as stable hygiene practices and quarantine procedures.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to treat horses
  • 1.1. Work to be undertaken is interpreted from work program, where necessary, and confirmed with management.
  • 1.2. Discussions are held with other workers who may be affected by the activities to ensure continued smooth operation of the process.
  • 1.3. Tools and equipment suitable for the work to be undertaken are selected, checked and maintained if necessary.
  • 1.4. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained.
2. Recognise and report common ailments
  • 2.1. Routine and regular checks are made of horses to detect abnormal conditions.
  • 2.2. Common ailments are distinguished through signs of distress, elevated temperatures, or skin or joint condition.
  • 2.3. Abnormal conditions are reported to the manager (or veterinary doctor) and actions are taken under instruction and supervision.
  • 2.4. Initial first aid procedures are carried out for horses until professional help arrives.
3. Apply disease or ailment prevention procedures
  • 3.1. Stable/paddock quarantine procedures are carried out according to enterprise practice.
  • 3.2. Stable hygiene practices are maintained at high levels in accordance with routine instructions.
  • 3.3. Routine annual or outbreak stimulated vaccination of horses is carried out under supervision of the veterinary practitioner with a minimum of stress to animals.
  • 3.4. Routine drenching and skin washing procedures are carried out to prevent or control external or internal parasites.
  • 3.5. While handling horses, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are continually identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.
  • 3.6. Comprehensive records of veterinary medication and treatment by other professionals are maintained for each individual animal.
4. Treat equine injury and disease
  • 4.1. Twitches and other restraining devices are used, as required, depending upon the individual horse's temperament.
  • 4.2. Prescribed veterinary medicines are administered at correct dose, according to instructions, with minimal stress to the horse and under supervision by manager or veterinary doctor.
  • 4.3. All handling of the horses is done within the guidelines of animal welfare codes and practices.
5. Complete hygiene and administration
  • 5.1. All equipment used in treating horses is cleaned hygienically and stored in accordance with manufacturer's specifications, organisational procedures and regulations.
  • 5.2. All containers, leftover fluids, waste and debris from the treatments are disposed of safely, hygienically and appropriately.
  • 5.3. All required records and documentation are completed accurately and promptly in accordance with operational requirements.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Prevention and treatment may include:
regular checking of types and breeds of horses on the property for signs of ill health, distress or abnormal conditions.
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:
recognise common ailments
identify signs of ill health and injury or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite
handle and restrain horses for observation and treatment as required
treat equine injury and disease
complete horse health and medication records
perform preventative actions such as stable hygiene practices and quarantine procedures.
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
S3623 RTE3144A Prevent and treat equine injury and disease Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD78 ACMHBR310 Prevent and treat equine injury and disease Unit of competency