DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says more than 1,500 workers will likely lose their jobs as a result of the bird flu outbreak and he is asking President Barack Obama to declare a major disaster for four of the hardest hit counties.
The presidential disaster declaration would draw federal help in coordinating recovery efforts.
In his letter to the president Thursday, Branstad says 438 people have sought unemployment benefits from Buena Vista, Sioux, Webster and Wright counties. More are expected to lose their jobs by August.
Branstad says Iowa’s egg industry expects losses in excess of $1 billion from lost production. Turkeys and chickens lost from the bird flu are valued at more than $83 million.
He says the outbreak is of such severity that federal assistance is necessary.