From Flu Outbreak to ‘Ostrichfest’ to High Court: How B.C. Ostrich Cull Saga Unfolded
Background
Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, spent over 10 months fighting a cull order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that aimed to euthanize hundreds of ostriches.
Timeline of Events
- Early December 2024: An outbreak described as “flu-like” affects the ostriches, killing 25 to 30 birds within three weeks.
- December 28, 2024: CFIA intervenes after receiving an anonymous tip about deaths on the farm, which had not been previously reported, and verbally imposes a quarantine.
- December 31, 2024: Tests confirm two carcasses are positive for H5 avian influenza, later identified as H5N1. CFIA immediately issues a cull order with a deadline of February 1 to dispose of all affected birds.
- January 4-9, 2025: The farm applies for exemption from the cull, citing the ostriches’ “rare and valuable genetics.”
- January 10, 2025: CFIA denies the exemption request.
- January 15, 2025: The last ostrich death is reported, increasing the total to 69 birds lost.
- January 31, 2025: The Federal Court issues a stay on the cull order while reviewing the farm’s application for judicial review.
Supreme Court Decision
On Thursday morning, the Supreme Court of Canada announced it will not hear the final appeal, allowing the ostrich cull to proceed.
“The court’s refusal to hear the appeal means the cull order stands,” the official statement confirmed.
Summary
The Universal Ostrich Farms saga highlights the tension between agricultural disease control and preservation of rare livestock genetics amid a viral outbreak and legal battles.
Author's note: This case underscores the challenges of balancing biosecurity measures with conservation efforts in modern farming.