South African Veterinary Council

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Animal Health Technician

REGULATIONS
ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIANS
Qualifications for Registration to practise a Para-Veterinary Profession of Animal Health Technician.
[Reg. 21 and 27]

Degree, diploma or Certificate	Granted by	Para-Veterinary profession	Designations reserved
B.Sc. Agric (Animal Health)	University of the North West*	Animal Health Technician……………	Animal Health Technician
Diploma Animal Health	University of the North West*	Animal Health Technician……………	Animal Health Technician
National Diploma Animal Health	Technikon South Africa**	Animal Health Technician……………	Animal Health Technician
National Diploma Animal Health	Tsolo Agricultural and Rural Development Institute	Animal Health Technician	Animal Health Technician

* Merged and is now known as North West University
** Merged and is now known as Unisa
21D. Requirements for registration to practice a para-veterinary profession: Animal HealthTechnician
(1) Any applicant that applies for registration as an animal health technician must submit the following documents:
(a)    a certificate of competence in mathematics and physical science or biology issued for school leaving purposes by a competent secondary level schooling authority of South Africa; or
(b)    submit a certificate of equivalent status as approved by the Veterinary Council within the National Qualifications Framework.
(2)The diploma or degree referred to in regulation 21 which entitles a candidate to registration as an animal health technician must-
(a)    comprise the completion of at least three academic years of study as a registered
animal health technician student; and
(b)    be constituted of the subject courses specified in Table 8.
(3) Upon completion of a prescribed diploma or degree a registered animal health technician student may, if the registering authority is satisfied that the provisions of the Act and these regulations have been successfully complied with, be registered as an animal health technician in terms of the Act.
21E. Curriculum requirements for the para-veterinary profession of animal health technician
(1) The curriculum of any tertiary institution that offers a course of study for qualification, as an animal health technician shall comprise the subject courses specified in Table 8.
(2) The curriculum must impart a sound knowledge of farm animals and production systems to identify problems related to the breeding, feeding, management and economics of livestock production.
21F. Examination of the para-veterinary profession of animal health technician
(1) The examination for the diploma shall include examination in the subject courses specified in
Table 8.
(2) If the examination consists of a practical and a theoretical part , a minimum mark of 40 per
cent shall be obtained in each part.
(3) At least two examiners, one of whom was not involved in the teaching of the subject to the
candidate, shall participate in the assessment of each student.
(4) A candidate shall pass an examination in a subject if at least 50 per cent of the maximum
marks obtainable in the examination for that subject, is obtained.

TABLE 8

Subject Course

Minimum Academic Year

Contents and Instruction *

Macroscopic Anatomy

1

Morphology of domesticated animals, including birds, and shall include exposure and handling of dissected material and demonstrations on living animals.

Physiology

1

An elementary course in the physiology and physiological chemistry of the most important body systems of domesticated animals

Pharmacology and Toxicology

½

(a) Curative medication and assistance to veterinarians in the use of medicines, related substances and agro –chemicals used in primary animal health care;
(b) A basic understanding of the effects of poisonous plants on animal health, with a special emphasis on the control and prevention in southern Africa.

Para-clinical group:
Animal science group of subjects

Pathology group of subjects

1 ½

2

Poisonous plants and agro-chemicals
(a) Theoretical and practical instruction in

	Basic genetics, breed characteristics, breeding, production systems, animal products, economics of production and related matters
	Housing, management, care, handling and behaviour of animals
	Minimum requirements for nutrition and feeding of animals, including nutritional imbalances and deficiencies
	Application of primary animal health care
	Deliverance of an animal health extension service;

(b) Practically orientated knowledge of veld and pastures, the management and utilization thereof in the maintenance and promotion of animal health and production with an emphasis on environmental conservation and veterinary extension services.

(a) Macroscopic anatomical pathology, including post mortem examinations with emphasis on the collection, preservation and dispatch of samples;
(b) A basic understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi and other pathogenic organisms, with a special emphasis on the control and prevention of those diseases of economic and zoonotic importance to southern Africa;
(c) The application and administration of provincial, national and international animal disease control measures in terms of existing certification and legislation;
(d) The collection, recording and processing of data as a support function in epidemiological surveys and investigations;
(e) Veterinary helminthology and entomology of importance to animal health and economics; and
(f) Field laboratory and technical procedures, including care and handling of laboratory apparatus, the collecting and dispatching of specimens/ samples for diagnostic purposes, preparation and examination of blood smears and skin and wool scrapings, and faeces samples and elementary clinical chemistry.
(g) The basic principles of the safety and hygiene of food of animal origin, including abattoir hygiene, meat inspection and relevant legislation.

Tuberculosis and
Brucellosis eradication schemes

12 Days

A course recognized and approved by the Department of Agriculture, comprising of TB and Brucellosis tests, TB and Brucellosis eradication schemes; wit special reference to the Animal Diseases Act and the regulations must be successfully completed.

*The course of instruction shall consist of an equal exposure to theoretical and practical instruction.