Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What factors need to be considered in selecting a site suitable to carry out the post-mortem examination?
Post mortems may be carried out on the farm. They may also be conducted in a laboratory.
The site must be able to be cleaned both before and after the examination. It must be located away from other animals, and blood and fluids must not be able to contaminate surrounding areas or facilities.

What information should be collected before conducting the post mortem?
date of death or the date animal or bird was found dead
identification number and age of animal
location of animal or bird (e.g. pen, shed or paddock number)
approximate weight
body condition
previous health problems
period of ill health (e.g. when first noted as being sick or off feed)
health of other stock.
Other details may be required by enterprise policies and procedures.

What OHS hazards may be involved?
Risks may include exposure to zoonoses, injuries from manual lifting and cuts or needle stick injuries.

What clothing, equipment and resources might be required to carry out a post-mortem examination?
An autopsy kit should contain a knife and a steel or sharpening stone, scissors and forceps or tweezers, swabs and plastic bags/containers to collect specimens, plastic or rubber disposable gloves, bucket, scrubbing brush and disinfectant.
Other equipment may include pen and notebook, wheelbarrow/trolley for disposal of carcase.

What expert assistance may be needed?
A veterinarian may be needed where unusual symptoms are detected. Assistance may also be needed where a large animal is to be lifted or moved.

What are unusual symptoms?
Unusual symptoms may indicate the presence of notifiable and potentially hazardous conditions or diseases such as anthrax or other zoonoses.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in conducting post-mortem examinations requires evidence that relevant and useable data and biological samples are collected both before and as part of the post mortem to enable an accurate diagnosis of the cause of death.
The skills and knowledge required to conduct the post-mortem examination must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, conduct post-mortems on pigs, goats, sheep, and on animals of varying ages.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

typical causes of death for the species being examined
sequence of actions in conducting a post mortem examination
requirements for correct preparation, labelling and packaging of biological and potentially hazardous samples
position and features of major organs in normal animal or bird of the species being examined.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are:

accurately cut open an animal or bird for post mortem examination
sharpen knives
handle dead animals and birds without risk to self or others.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard
RTE3504A Collect samples for rural production or horticulture monitoring program.

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Collecting and presenting all relevant information about the animal/bird being examined. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Preparing a complete report with accompanying samples. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Conducting a post-mortem in the correct sequence, and using correct tools and equipment. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Seeking expert assistance, working as a team conducting a post-mortem examination and taking into account laboratory/veterinarian requirements for information. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Recording details relating to the animal or bird being examined, such as weight, age, date/time of death. (1)

Solving problems
Making an initial assessment of the possible and likely causes of death. This initial assessment will guide the direction of further examination to obtain evidence of actual cause of death. (2)

Using technology
Using scales, personal computer and appropriate tools and equipment to conduct a post-mortem examination, take samples and produce a report. (0)