Google Links



The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit	The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills Collaborative approach from the organisation community dog owners indigenous environmental health workers environmental health officers and other key peoplespecialists in order to implement the plan effectively Competency must be assessed in relation to the strategies which the community has chosen to be implemented as part of the plan Consistency in performance should consider the nature and extent of problems in relation to dog healthpopulation Consistency in performance should consider wide range of strategies in relation to the management of dog health andor population Cultural activities should also be taken into consideration ie people leaving the community with their dogs to visit relatives in other communities or to attend sporting events football carnivals etc As a result of these possible contingencies this unit needs to be assessed on more than one occasion and is best assessed over a period of time in order to monitor the success of the strategys implemented as part of the plan

Access and equity considerations	All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment	This unit is best assessed on the job The identification of strategies in relation to dog health can be assessed both on or off the job Access required to a phonefax to assess competency in networking and liaising with veterinarians environmental health officers and other specialistsexperts equipment and supplies in accordance with the strategys to be implemented and job role to assess competency in delivery of a dog health and population control program books and resources if required

Note	The worker will receive trainingwritten approval from a veterinarian Environmental Health Officers or other people qualified to administer schedule drugs ie Ivomec during this unit This can then be given to the poisons registrar to enable them to obtain Ivomec and deliver follow up procedures for the Ivomec program on their own

Range Statement



The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Dog profile refers to:	Information gathered on the health, population and condition of dogs

Benefits of conducting a dog profile may be:	To give an overall picture of a situation, and keep the community informed To assist with the development of strategies to address dog health issues in the community To maintain the health of the dogs To prevent the spread of infection

Information gathered may include:	The number of dogs in each household/the community Unhealthy/diseased and under-nourished dogs Rogue or problem dogs Dumped dogs

Reporting may include any number of the following range of variables:	Verbal in either first language or English Written checklists/data collection in either first language or English, i.e. counting the number of dogs, sick dogs, undernourished dogs, etc. The numerical language chosen will be dependant upon the target group and whether or not the information gathered is to remain internally within the community or reported externally to other key people and outside agencies Written notes in either first language or English Photos of the condition/population of dogs in the community Video recording the condition/population of dogs in the community

Information may be obtained from:	Veterinarians Aboriginal Health Workers Environmental Health Officers Other specialists/experts Books/resources if required

Strategies may include:	Informing dog owners/community about various strategies in relation to caring for dogs, e.g. nutritional food sources, the provision of clean/dry shelter, checking dogs for fleas, ticks, wounds, sores, mange, eye and ear infections, immunising and worming dogs, washing dogs, seeking help and support for sick dogs, etc. Reducing the number of internal and external parasites, e.g. Dog Ivomec program Dog sterilisation/contraception, e.g. Covinan to control population Putting dogs down/euthanasia, e.g. Lethobarb, or by shooting

Informing dog owners/community about various strategies in relation to caring for dogs

Advantages may include:	Community control Healthier and happier dogs in the community Reduces the possibility of aggression and dog bites Limits the spread of infection

Disadvantages may include:	Increased dog breeding rates as a result of improved health

Obstacles may include:	Cultural issues in relation to dog ownership Inability to be able to afford to buy the necessary items to keep dogs healthy, e.g. nutritional food, medicated creams, eye and ear drops, worming tablets etc. Inability to gain access to veterinarians when required as a result of remoteness

Dog program to reduce the number of internal and external parasites, i.e. Ivomec

Advantages may include:	Healthier and happier dogs in the community Limits the spread of infection

Disadvantages may include:	Increased dog breeding rates due to improved health More competition and aggression between male dogs for female dogs in the community, leading to an increased number of dog wounds, and the possibility of wounds becoming infected

Obstacles may include:	Gaining access to Ivomec and the equipment needed to run a dog Ivomec program Needs to be ongoing, approximately every 3 month

Dog sterilisation (spays castration)/contraception, i.e.: Covinan to control population

Advantages may include:	Controls the dog population Avoids multiple litters Avoids disposal of unwanted/excessive numbers of pups

Disadvantages may include:	Expensive The Covinan injection that is currently given as a means female contraception can sting the dog causing unwanted aggression towards the handlers

Obstacles may include:	The community will need the assistance of a qualified veterinarian for sterilisation/contraceptive procedures, sometimes for up to one or two weeks. This can present obstacles, e.g. transport and labour costs, accommodation for the veterinarian whilst they are in the community etc. Covinan as a means of contraception for female dogs needs to be given every 5 months which can sometimes present difficulties with finding the same dog twice Difficulties with correct timing in relation to administering Covinan, i.e. it needs to be given to dogs before they go on heat (at approximately 7 months of age), and it is not to be given to dogs if they are pregnant

Putting dogs down/euthanasia i.e. Lethobarb

Advantages may include:	Ends a dogs suffering, misery, and pain

Disadvantages may include:	Cultural issues It can be very emotional and stressful for the dog owner

Obstacles may include:	If chemical injections such as Lethobarb are to be used, the assistance of qualified veterinarians, or other people with permits to administer the drug will be required. Access to people who are qualified can present obstacles for some remote communities

Key people or agencies may include:	Environmental Health Officers Other environmental health worker Aboriginal Health Workers Veterinarians Specialists/experts Poisons branch

Relevant others/community members may include:	Aboriginal Health Workers Other clinic staff Dog owners Householders Community members Elders and traditional owners

Organisation may refer to:	Community council Community clinic Other employer bodies/agencies

Contributions to the coordination of the plan may include:	Seeking community support for the plan Ordering in supplies and equipment, e.g. Ivomec, dispenser guns, marker spray paint etc. Networking and liaising with veterinarians, aboriginal health workers environmental health officers, other specialists/experts Informing the community about the times and dates for any proposed programs Organising the assistance of other helpers to aid with the handling of the dogs if required

Assistance with the delivery of a dog health and/or population control program may include:	Talking to dog owners/community members about strategies to care for their dogs if required Talking to dog owners/community members about the causes of disease, and the possibilities of transmission between animals and humans Talking to dog owners about treatment for specific dogs in the household/community, e.g. how many to be given Ivomec, which dogs to be put down, sterilised (spays/castration) contraception etc Negotiating options with dog owners if required Handling dogs as required Marking dogs who have been treated Disposing of dogs who are put down Assisting the veterinarian with sterilisation/contraceptive procedures if required Assisting veterinarian, EHO with measuring out dosages of Ivomec (usually onto bread) and giving treatment to dogs in conjunction with dog owners

Results may refer to:	Number of dogs treated Number of people informed about the diseases affecting their animals Method and type of treatment Problems such as aggressive dogs that were unable to be treated etc.

Follow up measures may include:	Giving Ivomec treatment to dogs every 3 months Assisting with the administration of Covinan every 5 months Identifying and monitoring the location of female dogs being treated with Covinan in the community to ensure that they are easily found when required Talking to the community/dog owners about strategies for ongoing care of their dogs Monitoring dog diseases or deaths in the community, especially outbreaks Checking up on dogs after vet visits, e.g. dogs needing ongoing medication, or those just operated on. This information can then be feed back to the vet, as problems can quite often be dealt with over the phone and medication sent if the vet has already seen the animal

Success of the plan may refer to:	Reduction in the number of sick dogs in the community Reduction and/or the stabilising of population Increased community awareness in relation to strategies to care for their dogs Reduction of transmissible diseases

Reporting methods may be:	Verbally in either first language or English Written in either first language or English, e.g. notes, written reports etc.

Feedback may be through:	Photos of the condition/population of dogs in the community Video recording the condition/population of dogs in the community Verbally in either first language or English depending on the target group and who the feedback is being provided to, i.e. the employing organisation, community or relevant others Written in either first language or English

NTIS this!

HLTPOP310C - Monitor and maintain dog health in the community

Google Links

Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

Evidence Required

Range Statement