Animal Justice Urges CFIA to Retest and Halt Ostrich Cull
Animal Justice has called on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to perform new avian influenza tests and stop the planned culling of about 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C. This plea follows the Supreme Court of Canada's refusal to hear the farm's appeal.
Background and Appeal
Before the Court’s decision, Animal Justice sent a formal request to CFIA urging the agency to avoid the irreversible measure of killing the birds and instead conduct fresh, independent testing for avian influenza. Infectious disease experts have expressed doubt about the necessity of culling at this stage, suggesting that updated tests might show the ostriches no longer pose a threat.
Concerns About Testing and Public Trust
Animal Justice notes no tests have been conducted since December 2024, when the outbreak was originally declared. The organization warned that culling seemingly healthy birds without up-to-date and solid evidence could damage public confidence in the CFIA.
“More than 10 months after an avian influenza outbreak was declared, it would be remarkably cruel to kill hundreds of apparently healthy birds just to prove a point,” said Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director of Animal Justice.
Summary
Animal Justice urges renewed testing over mass culling to protect animal welfare and maintain trust in health authorities.
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