Bird flu could cost $1 billion to Iowa, Minnesota
Updated: 4:52 PM CDT May 18, 2015
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.
DES MOINES, Iowa —
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.