Bird Flu Losses in Minnesota and Iowa Could Reach $1 Billion

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Agriculture economists say bird flu could cost the two states hardest hit, Iowa and Minnesota, nearly $1 billion and the virus is still spreading.

The estimates include sales losses to feed suppliers, trucking companies, and processing plants. Economists say exact figures are difficult to know because it's unclear how long barns must remain empty before they're declared virus-free.

Iowa, the nation's leading egg producer, has lost about 20 million chickens laying eggs, more than a third of the total. Minnesota, the top turkey producing state, has lost more than 8 million birds.

The U.S. Agriculture Department says bird flu has claimed 34 million birds in 15 states but not all farms with positive tests have been confirmed and placed on the list yet.

_________________________________________________________________________

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A new study estimates bird flu has cost Minnesota poultry producers at least $113 million, with losses in related industries pushing the overall toll past $300 million.

The University of Minnesota Extension study uses economic modeling to try to get at the ripple effects of the fast-moving virus that has killed some 8 million birds in Minnesota in the past couple of months.

Senior analyst Brigid Tuck's projections are through May 11. She focused on the 80 counties away from the metro area, where almost all of the state's poultry is produced. Tuck said the industry that provides feed for turkeys and chickens will be hardest hit.

No new outbreaks were reported in Minnesota on Monday.