Bird flu’s economic impact above $300M in Minnesota

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 modelling 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.

Jobs are also being lost in poultry processing and trucking.