Assessment Requirements for ACMINF304 Promote environmental health and safety for companion animals in remote communities

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for ACMINF304 Promote environmental health and safety for companion animals in remote communities

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 2.0.

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit. There must be evidence that the individual has:

interacted with and/or handled at least two companion animals safely and humanely, modelling personal hygiene and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

identified and provided information to Indigenous community members about improving the health and condition of individual dogs or other companion animals on at least two occasions

provided basic advice on hygiene and infection control to at least two individual community members including one child and one adult

consulted with community members and other stakeholders about appropriate strategies to use in delivering a community awareness activity

delivered at least one basic education or community awareness activity to two individuals or one group on the importance of healthy animals to the health of people.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

cultural significance and attitude to companion animals (particularly dogs), in Indigenous communities, including:

dreaming and creation knowledge, sacred/totem animals, ‘skin names’

physical security and spiritual protection

companionship and friendship bonds

assist with hunting

differences between dingoes and domestic dogs

importance of understanding Indigenous community context:

impact of cultural beliefs on uptake of animal care services

cultural events that can impact on timing of services

limited access to veterinary services

adjustment to loss of traditional lifestyle and legacy animal control programs

geographic isolation and climatic conditions

common areas and areas of difference between remote community attitudes, prevalent social attitudes and personal attitudes

issues associated with unmanaged animals, including:

overpopulation including reproductive cycles and capacity/potential of dogs and cats

dealing with unwanted animals and strays, including overview of humane euthanasia techniques accessible to the community

common disease that transfer between humans and animals

injuries which left untreated, lead to subsequent suffering

nuisance, including noise from barking, fighting and mating

litter and faeces

threat of attack

dangers during car chasing

conservation issues related to introduced animal species

stress and human mental health impacts, including grief over sick or dying animals, frustration resulting from animals causing regular nuisance and shame associated with visibly unhealthy dogs residing in the community

common companion animal infections and diseases, including:

skin sores and infections caused by parasites including mange/scabies and ringworm

fleas and ticks

heartworm, hook worm, round worm

treatments for common animal infections and diseases, including:

state/territory restrictions on the administration of specific medications

use of antibiotics and microbial resistance

how animals spread disease, including:

excrement, including faeces and urine

mixing with other animals

spreading rubbish

close contact with humans

prevention techniques, including:

personal hygiene and hand washing

avoiding close contact with animals

providing fresh water

cleaning animal bedding and blankets

disposing of excrement

feeding regularly to build health and minimise scavenging

working safely with companion animals in remote communities, including:

recognising basic emotions and body language for aggressive, ‘cheeky’, scared and friendly animals

types of dog behaviour including protective/territorial behaviours and pack behaviour

humane handling techniques for capture, moving, holding and transporting

diversion tactics and techniques for defusing and preventing problems and bites

methods used to control and manage animal populations in communities, including:

animal registration and micro chipping

surgical desexing and chemical desexing/injectable contraceptives

euthanasia

ways to communicate information in remote communities, including:

using culturally appropriate language and communication methods

inclusive activities and role of elders

overview of relevant local and state regulations relating to the keeping and management of companion animals

range of service providers involved in animal health and management, including:

veterinarians and veterinary workers

Aboriginal Land Councils

Non-Government Organisations

local councils

state, territory and Australian government departments.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

skills must be demonstrated in a remote community environment or an environment that accurately represents remote community conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

companion animals

PPE

relationships:

community members.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

In addition, assessment strategies and tools must be checked for cultural appropriateness for the specific community before assessment is undertaken.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103