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New avian flu economic study shows losses over 300 million dollars

The avian influenza outbreak has cost the Minnesota poultry industry more than 309 million dollars according to University of Minnesota Extension.

The newly released economic impact analysis determined that for every million dollars in direct losses to either turkey production or egg laying chickens, the estimated ripple effect has led to 1.8 million in overall losses.

Brigid Tuck led the study and says the feed, trucking and wholesale industries have been hurt by avian flu.

“That will eventually trickle down to main street, so we’re going to see it in our stores, health care facilities; we’re even going to see some effects eventually on our real estate in greater Minnesota.”

Poultry production and processing is a three billion dollar industry in the state and Tuck says producers are going to feel the hardest effects.

“As well as their employees.  So the epicenter will really be there.  However we will see effects across all of greater Minnesota and many of our industries are going to feel it as well.”

Researchers noted that insurance and government compensation for poultry producers may help alleviate losses, but the impact of avian flu on other industries will not be offset.