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

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• 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

• 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.

Foundation skills

• Reading: Interpret instructions on product labels and packaging Interpret veterinary terminology and instructions received in various formats including emails and text messages (SMS)
• Oral communication: Explain information in culturally appropriate language and terms for community audience Use questioning and active listening techniques to obtain and provide information to veterinarians, health workers and others
• Numeracy: Estimate the number of community animals and changes over time Calculate medication doses from instructions on labels for routine animal treatments and/or veterinarian prescribed medications
• Navigate the world of work: Recognise the need to incorporate and respect the cultural views of different communities Understand the nature and purpose of own role and associated responsibilities relating to safety and animal welfare within the community context
• Getting the work done: Plan and prioritise work tasks, adapting to contingencies and changing circumstances to achieve outcomes, targets and timelines Use basic technologies to report and record information related to work role

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Questions about assessing ACMINF304