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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Apply health management practices for poultry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119382  Apply health management practices for poultry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  12 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
To recognize conditions that can lead to the manifestation of poultry diseases and why vaccines are used to control the outbreak of disease. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Health and safety Level 1 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
N/A 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Understand the conditions that may contribute to the onset of poultry diseases. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
"dis ease" contributes to disease development, acronym FLAWSS: feed, light, air, water, space and sanitation, water system leaks, wet spots, ammonia, inaccessible feeders, lack of water, feed rejection, feeding space, high temperature, chilling, stress. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The conditions that contribute to the occurrence of disease in poultry, represented by the acronym FLAWSS, are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
FLAWSS = Feed, light, air, water, space, sanitation.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reason how problems with feed or feeder can result in the onset of disease are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Stale feed and feed rejection, mould growth due to infrequent turning of feed, leaking water lines, incorrect height and low consumption of nutrients or medicine.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reason how problems with lighting can result in disease development is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Lights too bright resulting in flightiness, skin damage and dermatitis, uneven lighting due non-functional or dirty light globes and light shades.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The conditions of the air in poultry houses and buildings that may result in the onset of disease are detailed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Dust, ammonia, temperatures too high or too low.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The condition of drinkers and water that may result in the onset of disease is explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Disease-causing organisms from bedding and manure, growth of fungi, dehydration due to inaccessible drinkers.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The reasons why insufficient floor, feed and watering space can result in the onset of diseases are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Scratching of skin, insufficient feed and water intake, creation of stress in birds.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
The reasons why good sanitary conditions are conducive to the health of poultry are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Lowering of bacterial counts, less challenge to immune system, fungal growth is prevented.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Observe any abnormal behaviour of the birds and recognise the signs of a possible disease. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Lack of noise, ruffled feathers, comb colour, huddling, lameness, feed, water consumption, Diarrhoea, drops in egg production, shell quality defects: roughness, colour, thin and soft shells, cracks. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The differences between normal and abnormal behavior in growing or adult poultry are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The normal feeding behavior of poultry is described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The signs that poultry exhibit when they are not consuming feed or water are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The indications of Diarrhoea are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The ways in which a reduction in egg numbers can be detected during collection are described. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
The differences between normal and abnormal egg shells are described. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Recognise the effect that diseases have on the body systems of poultry. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Respiratory diseases, viral and protozoan diseases, external parasites. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The signs that are typical of diseases of the respiratory system are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Abnormal breathing, wheezing, gasping, nasal and eye discharge, head flick, snicking, air sacs.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The symptoms that are typical when the digestive system is affected by diseases are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Diarrhoea, blood in cecas, blood in droppings, swollen intestines.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The signs that poultry exhibit, when they are infected with external parasites are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Pale comb, frequent picking, droopy, listlessness, cloacal region infected with mites.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Understand the reasons for different medication practices for poultry. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The differences between preventative and therapeutic medications are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Prevention by continuous low levels, coccidiosis, E. coli, treatment of disease, withdrawal times.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The various methods for the administration of medication are detailed. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Feed, drinking water.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The importance of adhering to the medication procedures are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Route to target organ, speed of absorption.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Understand the role of vaccinations for the control of diseases in poultry. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The function of a vaccine is described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Defence mechanism, disease control and not prevention, living particles of the disease-causing organisms.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The factors affecting the development of immunity are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Vaccine penetration of the animal body, antibody production, internal protection against a specific disease-causing organism.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The reasons why more than one vaccination is often necessary are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Mild vaccine is followed by more virulent strain of the virus, achieve effective levels of immunity.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The reasons for conducting blood sampling of poultry are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Blood titers, presence of antibodies, indication of resistance to a particular disease.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The procedures for the taking of blood samples are demonstrated. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Understand the reasons for the different methods of administering vaccines. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The various methods of administering vaccines are described. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Spray, injection, drinking water, eye drop.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The reasons for using different methods to administer vaccines are explained. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Immune response in organ attacked by disease-causing organism.
 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.

    The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge is assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.

    The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as
    competent.

    Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.

    Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively;
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities;
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;
  • Exploring education and career opportunities; and
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been mad.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the reasons for the different methods of administrating vaccines 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyze, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the conditions that may contribute to the onset of poultry diseases
  • Observe any abnormal behaviour of the birds and recognise the signs of a possible disease
  • Recognise the effect that diseases have on the body systems of poultry
  • Understand the reasons for different medication practices for poultry
  • Understand the role of vaccinations in the prevention of diseases in poultry
  • Understand the reasons for the different methods of administrating vaccines 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the conditions that may contribute to the onset of poultry diseases
  • Observe any abnormal behaviour of the birds and recognise the signs of a possible disease
  • Recognise the effect that diseases have on the body systems of poultry
  • Understand the reasons for different medication practices for poultry
  • Understand the role of vaccinations in the prevention of diseases in poultry
  • Understand the reasons for the different methods of administrating vaccines 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Refer to the following specific outcomes:
  • Understand the conditions that may contribute to the onset of poultry diseases
  • Observe any abnormal behaviour of the birds and recognise the signs of a possible disease
  • Recognise the effect that diseases have on the body systems of poultry
  • Understand the reasons for different medication practices for poultry
  • Understand the role of vaccinations in the prevention of diseases in poultry
  • Understand the reasons for the different methods of administrating vaccines 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49582   National Certificate: Poultry Production  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.