BC Ostriches Avoid Culling Due to Bird Flu, Owners Seek Permanent Solution
An 11th-hour court injunction preventing the culling of over 400 ostriches has been granted to a rural farm in British Columbia. This injunction allows the farm owners time to advocate for preserving their flock, along with the years of science and research dedicated to their birds.
Justice Michael Battista ordered the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) original culling order to be paused pending a court review issued on Jan. 31.
Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood contacted a veterinarian in December 2024 due to a few sick younger birds. Following an anonymous tip suggesting potential avian flu (H5N1) in their birds, the CFIA intervened and tested two deceased ostriches, confirming H5N1 and mandating the herd’s culling under their protocol.
Despite a failed exemption application, the farm sought legal counsel, leading to Justice Battista calling for a judicial review the day before the scheduled culling, postponing it at least temporarily.
One of the birds from Universal Ostrich Farms in B.C. on Feb. 1, 2025. Courtesy Peyman Askari.
“They were trying to stamp out our natural immunity, and I am so grateful that we got this little win because it gives just a little bit of restored faith that we have the opportunity to be heard,” said spokesperson Katie Pasitney.
“The judge … heard that this is not a one-size-fits-all solution and we need to stop and rethink how we do this.”
Justice Battista’s decision highlighted the potential irreparable harm if the culling proceeded before further examination.
The CFIA emphasizes the need to depopulate infected domestic birds to prevent virus spread, including ostriches.
Michael Carter, representing Universal Ostrich, argues for a nuanced approach beyond the strict culling policy, emphasizing the importance of herd immunity.
