B.C. Ostrich Farm Grapples with Avian Flu
A B.C. ostrich farm is at the center of national attention as authorities prepare to cull approximately 400 birds due to an ongoing avian flu outbreak. The virus, first detected last year, has affected the flock at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, prompting intervention from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and RCMP.
1. Legal Battles Over the Cull
The farm has exhausted appeals in Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, both ruling the cull must proceed. Justice Gerald Heckman emphasized that CFIA must act to prevent further virus spread while expressing sympathy for the farm owners. The farm has until October 3 to request leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
2. Farmers Argue the Flock Is Healthy
The farm owners claim the surviving ostriches now have “herd immunity” after 69 birds died in December 2021. They argue the flock is scientifically valuable, healthy, and poses no threat. The owners requested additional testing before any culling occurs, noting ostriches have higher survival rates than other poultry.
3. CFIA Maintains the Cull Is Necessary
The CFIA insists the cull must proceed to prevent a potential virus reservoir. Ostriches can carry avian flu without showing symptoms, posing risks to humans, livestock, and wildlife. Officials warned the birds could contribute to genetic mutations in the virus, increasing its adaptability to mammals.
4. Global Attention and Support
The cull has drawn international attention. U.S. Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. appealed to CFIA to reconsider the destruction, while Dr. Mehmet Oz offered to relocate the birds to his Florida ranch. Conservative commentator Chris Sanders mobilized social media followers to assist in transporting birds to farms in Oklahoma, Texas, and South Dakota. Supporters have camped outside the farm in protest.
5. Avian Flu Context in Canada
Avian flu has periodically affected Canadian flocks for decades. The current outbreak began December 20, 2021, in St. John’s and has since led to the destruction of millions of birds. CFIA reports H5N1 is the dominant subtype in domestic birds, with migrating wild birds contributing to the spread nationwide.
The Takeaway
The B.C. ostrich farm case highlights tensions between animal health regulations, scientific research, and public support for rare species. The outcome could influence how Canada manages future avian flu outbreaks.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for ongoing updates on the B.C. ostrich farm and avian flu developments.
