Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

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.

Application of the unit 

This unit is likely to be carried out under minimal supervision, with further checking required in some cases by a veterinarian. Post-mortems are applied at a basic level and observations are referred on where veterinary advice or a definitive diagnosis is required.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

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.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement risk controls
• accurately cut open an animal or bird for post mortem examination
• handle and sharpen knives
• handle dead animals and birds without risk to self or others.
• use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene procedures
• comply with biosecurity protocols
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• typical causes of death for the species being examined
• sequence of actions in conducting a post mortem examination
• requirements for correct preparation, labelling and packaging of biological and potentially hazardous samples
• position and features of major organs in normal animal or bird of the species being examined
• symptoms of exotic and notifiable diseases listed as a threat in the animal health plan
• procedures for OHS, hygiene and biosecurity.

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.

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.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field