Avian influenza, or bird flu, continues to pose significant risks to poultry operations, food manufacturers, and supply chains worldwide. With outbreaks leading to mass culling, supply disruptions, and public health concerns, businesses must stay informed and prepared. To support the industry, Intertek Alchemy has developed a new bird flu course, “Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): Overview,” completely free of cost designed to educate workers on prevention and response strategies.

Bird flu is highly contagious among poultry and can spread rapidly, causing devastating losses. While the risk of transmission to humans remains low, certain strains have raised public health concerns. Effective prevention and response strategies are crucial to maintaining business continuity and safeguarding both employees and consumers.

Why Bird Flu Training Matters

According to data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the current bird flu outbreak has cost the U.S. poultry industry alone $1.4 billion, a large portion due to infected flocks being culled. Consumers feel the impact in rising food costs, including a USDA-estimated 57.6% increase in the price of eggs in 2025. While human cases of avian influenza are rare — the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention cites 70 human cases and one death in the U.S. since 2024 — the risk is highest for poultry and dairy workers, and many scientists fear transmissions to humans are bound to increase. 

With the increasing complexity of global supply chains and regulatory requirements, comprehensive training ensures that all employees — from farm workers to processing plant staff — understand their role in preventing the spread of avian influenza. Intertek Alchemy’s new course equips frontline workers with the knowledge they need to protect their facilities and minimize risks.

What the Course Covers

Intertek Alchemy’s bird flu course provides clear, practical training on:

• Basic education on the virus.
• The symptoms to look for in poultry, cattle, and humans.
• How the virus spreads and covers risk profiles.
• Steps employers and workers can take to contain the virus.

Strengthening Your Workforce Through Education

Workforce training is a vital component of any strong food safety program. By proactively educating employees about avian influenza, companies can enhance biosecurity measures, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect their supply chains from costly disruptions. Intertek Alchemy’s interactive and engaging 13-minute course makes it easy for employees to retain critical information and apply best practices in their daily operations.

Enroll Today

Don’t wait for an outbreak to take action. Equip your workforce with the knowledge and tools they need to keep your facility safe. Typically, a company must be an Intertek Alchemy client licensing the Alchemy Training System to access any of the hundreds of training courses in its library. The course is available in English, Spanish, and Canadian French and can be downloaded by anyone here.