Bird flu has cost nearly $1 billion to the economies of Minnesota and Iowa. Iowa, the top egg producer, has lost more than 20 million chickens, a third of the state’s flock. Iowa State University Economists estimate the lost production and dead bird cost at over $600 million. Iowa Congressman Steve King says it’s a concern to him, especially as they try to help producers clean- up and recover.

Iowa producers are also concerned about risking the capital to repopulate multi-million bird facilities when the virus is still spreading.

He says a long term solutions is needed as indemnity funds are not enough to make producers whole and will soon run out without Congressional action.

In Minnesota, University of Minnesota at Mankato analysis shows the top turkey state has lost more than 8 million birds at a cost of nearly $424 million to the state’s economy.