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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included. |
Commonly available rodents and rabbits may include: | companion animal pets: guinea pigs mice rats strains and breeds of animals used in research facilities: guinea pigs mice rats transgenic mice, rats and rabbits. |
Behavioural characteristics may include: | behaviour characteristics can vary according to: environmental conditions due to: lighting noise people relative humidity temperature the breeding season the species, breed, age and sex of the animals the time of day or night behaviour characteristics associated with different species: activity levels at certain times of day or night feeding and foraging fight or flight social interaction feeding behaviours enurination/spraying defensive behaviour: barbering biting defending territory, other animals or food hair on topline being raised posture lordosis reproductive behaviour stereotypical behaviour: repetitive patterns self-mutilation restlessness submissive gestures: lowering body rolling onto back tail between legs turning away from handler or other animals. |
Colours, markings and other identifying features may include: | age, sex and size coat or skin colours and texture eye colour markings, patterns and permanent scars toe nail colour microchip, ear tags, tattoos and markings and leg bands. |
Signs of distressed rodents and rabbits may include: | aggressive behaviour barbering excessive grooming ill-thrift inappetance posture 'starry coat' (hair on end and in disarray) subdued behaviour trembling vocalisation. |
Housing design and environmental factors may include: | environmental: biological control of waste cleaning routines and methods detergent and disinfectant types drainage and weather protection general animal housing security housing furniture local council requirements related to: limits to numbers and types of animals allowed pest control restricting access to animals waste management ventilation, heating and cooling requirements housing design: housing options: barrier maintained caged fully enclosed individually ventilated cages indoor metabolism cages naturalistic outdoor housing requirements: bedding and nesting materials compatibility of species housed together food and water distribution security considerations longevity and sturdiness of materials suitability for specific species species specific options for animals to hide or rest designs that allow for enrichment activities or species specific feeding or socialising social options: solitary pairs single sexed groups polyandrous/polygamous groups mixed species temporary pairs neutered companion pairing. |
Enrichment needs may include: | food or food-related enrichment: giving animals opportunities to forage for food by hiding it in substrates giving the animal food that requires processing (e.g. peeling or shelling fruit or seeds) physical enrichment items: gnawing manipulada hide boxes, tunnels and ladders nest building or bedding material: shredded paper straw substrate or wood shavings non-edible items that can be easily added or removed from the environment, such as toys (e.g. balls, bells, puzzles, mirrors and keyrings) perches, roosting shelves and nest boxes social enrichment: levels of contact with other animals of the same species or breed social interactions between the animal and the carer may also be appropriate. |
Welfare of animals requirements may include: | adequate housing, nutrition and stock levels compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations, including the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes disease prevention, control and treatment enrichment opportunities the absence of pests and vermin the compatibility of species and breeds. |
OHS risks when working with animals may include: | animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal handling of chemicals and medicines gas leakage inhalation of aerosol particles intraocular contamination manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting needle pricks and cuts from other sharps release of infective agents (animal and human) scalds and burns from sterilising and cleaning equipment slippery or uneven work surfaces zoonoses. |
Equipment used to catch, handle and restrain rodents and rabbits may include: | cages, bags and towels collars and leads treats and toys. |
Methods used to approach and catch rodents and rabbits may include: | calling animal by name encouraging animal to approach by offering a treat gently conditioning by repeated positive capture and release programs quietly approaching animal and gently catching and holder with hands quietly and gently running animal into a smaller enclosure or bag. |
Common health issues may include: | behavioural disorders environmental hazards: exposure to the elements extreme ventilation rates humidity extremes inadequate exercise temperature extremes infectious diseases caused by: bacteria, virus, fungus, mould and protozoa internal and external parasites non-infection diseases: nutritional imbalances and disruptions genetic disorders metabolic neoplastic physical traumas post operative infections chemical toxicities and allergies zoonotic diseases. |
General health maintenance and preventative treatment may include: | daily observation and record keeping routine health check-up control of parasites and protozoa grooming immunisation/vaccinations, as required insect control prophylactic health programs quarantine and isolation routine observation of waste elimination and faecal examination. |
Digestive system features may include: | anatomical features: mouth and teeth structures salivary glands digestive chemicals and bacteria alimentary canal, stomach, liver and pancreas intestines, rectum and anus physiological features: eating processes nutrient requirements, absorption and storage methods waste elimination feeding patterns potential digestive system malfunctions or problems water needs. |
Feeding hazards to animals and humans in food preparation and distribution may include: | animal movement and handling shelf life of foodstuffs manual handling and general food preparation, storage and distribution equipment contamination of foodstuffs from vermin, bacteria, fungus, virus and other sources organic and other dusts excessive noise possibility of zoonotic infection. |
Documentation on the care and management of rodents and rabbits may include: | accident and incident records Animal Ethics Committee protocols animal feeding, health and treatment records animal identification and history animal production records animal sale and disposition records chemical and veterinary supplies register diary, rosters and task completion and timeframe records equipment use, damage and repair register OHS safe work method statements, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and other records provisions records of current stock and items used and items required stock control records: animal stock supplies and equipment stock. |