From Flu Outbreak to Ostrich Cull Saga in British Columbia
Background and Initial Outbreak
Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, has contested for over ten months a cull order issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that would lead to the killing of hundreds of ostriches. The dispute escalated up to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Key Dates in the Cull Dispute
- Early December 2024: An outbreak of “flu-like” symptoms among the ostriches kills 25 to 30 birds within three weeks.
- December 28, 2024: CFIA intervenes after an anonymous report exposes unreported ostrich deaths and verbally imposes a quarantine on the farm.
- December 31, 2024: Samples from two ostrich carcasses test positive for avian influenza H5, later confirmed as H5N1. CFIA immediately issues a cull order with a February 1 deadline for disposing of affected birds.
- January 4–9, 2025: The farm requests an exemption to the cull, citing the importance of preserving “rare and valuable genetics.”
- January 10, 2025: CFIA denies the exemption request.
Supreme Court Decision
On the morning of November 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada announced it would not hear the final appeal, allowing the cull to proceed as ordered by the CFIA.
The Supreme Court of Canada on Thursday morning announced it would not hear a final appeal, allowing the cull to proceed.
Summary
This case highlights the tension between disease control measures and wildlife conservation efforts on private farms in Canada.
Author's summary: The B.C. ostrich farm’s legal battle over a mandated cull reveals the complex challenges of managing avian influenza outbreaks while protecting unique animal genetics.