Elements and Performance Criteria
- Monitor and assess poultry health and welfare
- Biosecurity protocols and quarantine procedures are maintained at all times to prevent the entry of disease.
- Regular checks are taken to assess poultry health and welfare according to the requirements of the organisation.
- Symptoms of ill health, common diseases, parasite infestations, or physical abnormalities are recognised and reported.
- Identify cull birds using criteria established by the enterprise or industry quality assurance program.
- Flock/herd health status is recorded in accordance with organisation procedures.
- Provide an optimal environment for poultry
- Bird housing conditions are monitored to ensure that protection is provided from external factors identified by the welfare code of practice and farm welfare Quality Assurance (QA) procedures.
- Temperature control equipment and humidity control equipment where installed is correctly monitored, maintained and operated to ensure optimal temperatures for poultry.
- Equipment and housing is installed in accordance with established organisation quality assurance programs.
- Welfare of poultry is continually monitored and non-compliance with animal welfare codes are reported promptly and dealt with by management.
- Information which is relevant to the welfare and health of stock is recorded according to organisation practice.
- Administer vaccines or alternative therapies
- Vaccines, veterinary chemicals, or other therapeutic medicines appropriate to the operation are stored and labelled in controlled or refrigerated conditions or in freezers.
- Killed and live vaccines or other compounds are stored to maintain maximum efficacy of the product.
- Routine prevention procedures for disease or parasite infestation are safely carried out.
- Quantities of medicines are accurately measured for administration according to clear organisation instruction and manufacturer's instructions.
- Vaccination or medication is carried out under instruction as required according to organisation procedures.
- Administration or medicines are recorded.
- Collect samples for analysis
- Swabs are taken from surfaces and work areas on a regular basis and prepared for laboratory testing as required by organisation and industry standards.
- Swabs and samples are clearly and accurately labelled and prepared for dispatch to the laboratory as directed by veterinary staff, organisation practice and the Biosecurity Code.
- Remove non-viable poultry
- Culling and removal is undertaken according to organisational procedures and industry quality assurance program.
- Sick poultry are treated or culled by neck dislocation or gassing safely and the practice must comply with industry standards of health and hygiene and the industry quality assurance program.
- Post-mortem assistance is provided where necessary according to organisation practice.
- Keep and maintain record