DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two more Iowa turkey farms in Sac County have tested positive for the bird flu and state agriculture officials say they’ve found the virus among a backyard duck flock and a backyard chicken flock, both in Sioux County.
The new discoveries announced Monday by the Iowa Department of Agriculture bring to 56 the number of cases reported in the state in 14 counties.
The number of turkeys on each farm was not immediately released.
About 50 ducks and 12 backyard chickens were reported on the Sioux County farms.
Agriculture economists say bird flu could cost the two states hardest hit, Iowa and Minnesota, nearly $1 billion.
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.
