Supreme Court of Canada to Decide on Ostrich Cull Case
The Supreme Court of Canada will announce next Thursday whether it will hear a significant case from British Columbia's Interior involving Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood.
Background of the Case
The farm owners are contesting a culling order issued last December by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The cull followed an outbreak of avian flu at the farm, which the CFIA reports resulted in the death of 69 ostriches.
Health Concerns and Testing
Tests on two deceased ostriches confirmed the presence of the H5N1 flu strain. However, the owners argue that remaining birds show no symptoms and should not be euthanized. The CFIA counters that apparently healthy ostriches may still carry and transmit the virus, including potential new mutations.
Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court has currently issued a temporary stay on the culling order, placing the birds in CFIA custody while deciding whether to accept the appeal from the farm's owners. The owners have previously lost in lower courts.
"The Supreme Court issued a temporary stay of the cull order and directed that the CFIA take custody of the birds until it decides whether to hear the case."
By The Canadian Press and Dean Recksiedler, posted October 31, 2025
Summary
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision will determine if it will review the contentious ostrich cull, balancing animal health concerns against the farm owners’ claims.