(SPRINGDALE, AR) Reacting to public outcry regarding animal welfare, Tyson Foods has announced the implementation of a third-party certification program to help ensure the proper handling and transportation of birds in its chicken business. The company becomes the first major chicken producer to implement the “Poultry Handling and Transportation” (PHT) certification offered by the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). The certification is in addition to the animal welfare training Tyson already requires for frontline workers involved in handling and transporting live birds. The focus is on biosecurity, disease recognition, emergency planning and the safe and humane handling of birds before, during and after transport. The PHT certification program was developed by Penn State University scientists, the USDA, and industry specialists, and is managed by USPOULTRY.