Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to manage biosecurity and infection control in a broad range of equine work sites, properties or contexts, and includes preventing the transfer of diseases from horses to horses, and from horses to humans. It covers knowledge of common equine diseases, and biosecurity and infection control principles and practices.
The unit applies to managers of equine businesses or work groups within an equine work site, who have responsibility for biosecurity and infection control.
Health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess the risk of the equine work site to the introduction of diseases or contaminants | 1.1 Research information on equine disease, infection control, biosecurity and emergency animal disease response 1.2 Identify and analyse the risks of introducing diseases or contaminants to the equine work site 1.3 Evaluate the level of risk and prioritise unacceptable or high-level risks specific to work site 1.4 Assess the risk of an emergency disease outbreak for work site and geographic area 1.5 Determine options for treating and/or minimising identified risks |
2. Develop or update an equine biosecurity and infection control plan for work site | 2.1 Document a plan to address areas of risk identified in work site risk assessment 2.2 Discuss proposed biosecurity and infection control plan with relevant personnel including a veterinarian and incorporate feedback 2.3 Prepare forms and documentation to support implementation of plan and to collect relevant information and data 2.4 Develop or update an action plan for addressing suspected emergency animal diseases 2.5 Ensure a travel kit containing first aid, biosecurity and infection control resources is prepared for equine travel and off-site activities |
3. Implement disease prevention and biosecurity activities | 3.1 Ensure all staff and relevant personnel are trained in procedures and requirements of the equine biosecurity and infection control plan 3.2 Train staff in equine health requirements and how to recognise, report and act on equine disease and/or contaminants according to workplace procedures 3.3 Implement management practices specific to work site to minimise the risk of introducing diseases or contaminants according to biosecurity and infection control plan 3.4 Oversee equine travel and off-site activities according to organisational biosecurity and infection control procedures |
4. Monitor disease prevention and biosecurity activities | 4.1 Monitor disease prevention and treatment programs against objectives and requirements of equine work site plan 4.2 Monitor isolation, quarantine and biosecurity arrangements according to work site plan 4.3 Monitor equine travel and off-site arrangements according to biosecurity and infection control procedures |
5. Maintain records on disease prevention and biosecurity activities | 5.1 Maintain up to date records relating to biosecurity and infection control for work site including records of training undertaken by work site personnel 5.2 Provide information on work site equine health and practices to relevant authorities 5.3 Report on notifiable diseases according to relevant state or territory government requirements |
6. Review disease prevention and biosecurity plan for work site/property | 6.1 Maintain a schedule for updating and reviewing biosecurity and infection control plan and supporting documentation 6.2 Collect and analyse information and data relating to equine disease prevention and biosecurity activities to improve risk management for work site/property 6.3 Obtain feedback from staff and/or relevant personnel to contribute to the review of policies, procedures and supporting documentation 6.4 Review biosecurity and biosecurity and infection control plan according to timetable for review and update as required |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Oral communication | Use active listening skills and questioning techniques to obtain and clarify information about biosecurity and infection control Explain terminology, principles and concepts related to biosecurity and infection control to convey information appropriate to audience |
Writing | Prepare succinct documents that use clear language and sequenced instructions |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise the importance of biosecurity and infection control to the work site and equine industry and the need for compliance with regulatory requirements Work independently and collectively, taking responsibility for plans, decisions and outcomes relating to biosecurity and infection control |
Interact with others | Select and use appropriate written and verbal communication practices to convey information to staff and stakeholders |
Get the work done | Plan, sequence and prioritise multiple tasks to achieve outcomes Use routine business technologies and systems to access, prepare and communicate information |
Sectors
Infection control (INF)