Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:54 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
AHCLSK304
State Code
BAR41
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
060113 - Pathology
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out post-mortem examination of livestock.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, animal welfare and biosecurity legislation and codes of practice and sustainability practices.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They complete routine activities, work in a range of known contexts and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resourcesIndividuals 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 environmental requirements
  • 1.2 Prepare the site to be used for the post-mortem
  • 1.3 Obtain and collate all relevant preliminary information about the carcass to be examined
  • 1.4 Identify work health and safety and biosecurity hazards, assess risks and take appropriate action
  • 1.5 Select and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.6 Obtain and prepare required equipment and resources
  • 1.7 Move the animal to be examined to the post mortem area using appropriate manual lifting techniques and equipment
  • 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 or injury
  • 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 properly labelled containers to meet 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 using appropriate equipment and comply with biosecurity and environment al requirements, and national and local regulations for carcass disposal
  • 3.2 Send labelled and packaged samples to the laboratory for analysis and comply with regulations for sending biological samples by post
  • 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 and disinfect all equipment used and store appropriately
  • 3.5 Clean and disinfect site used for the post-mortem
  • 3.6 Disinfect disposable personal protective equipment before disposing them
  • 3.7 Wash hands and exposed body areas thoroughly
  • 3.8 Change clothing and place in appropriate bin for laundering and disinfect boots
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6949 AHCLSK304A Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFF87 AHCLSK346 Carry out post-mortem examination of livestock Unit of competency