A B.C. family fights to save 400 ostriches from culling after avian flu concerns, arguing the birds may offer crucial research against future outbreaks.
B.C. Ostrich Farm’s Plea to Halt Mass Culling Gains Political Support
A Family’s Fight for Survival—and Science
In the small B.C. community of Edgewood, a farming family’s emotional struggle is capturing national attention. Universal Ostrich Farm, home to 400 ostriches, faces a devastating cull order imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) following an avian influenza outbreak.
Katie Pasitney, daughter of the farm owners and its public spokesperson, stood before cameras Thursday, her voice breaking as she made an impassioned plea to provincial officials—including B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham—to intervene.
“These birds are healthy, happy, and represent so much more than just livestock,” she said. “They’re a living research lab.”
Ostriches Ordered Destroyed Despite Flu Immunity
The CFIA issued the cull directive in late 2024, part of a sweeping policy that has already led to over 8.7 million birds being culled across 236 B.C. farms since the first wave of highly pathogenic avian influenza in 2022. However, the Pasitney family argues their birds pose no current threat—and may in fact be immune.
“The ostriches have developed natural herd immunity. This could be groundbreaking for avian flu research,” said Pasitney.
A Federal Court temporarily halted the cull in January, granting a stay of execution while the case undergoes judicial review. A final ruling on the fate of the birds is expected early next week.
Politicians Join the Call to Save the Flock
Pasitney is no longer alone in her campaign. Three Independent B.C. MLAs—Jordan Kealy, Dallas Brodie, and Tara Armstrong—have publicly backed the farm, urging the provincial government to advocate for an exemption from the CFIA’s culling rules.
“This is not a food production farm—it’s research-focused,” said Kealy during a press conference where his colleagues held up ostrich eggs in a symbolic show of support.
Kealy described the operation as “innovative and science-based,” citing the farm’s work developing antibody resistance against viruses like H5N1.
Province Listens—But Stops Short of Promises
Following her closed-door meeting with Minister Popham, Pasitney remained cautiously optimistic.
“They listened. They said they need time to process everything,” she reported. No promises were made, but Pasitney said she hoped the unique scientific potential of the ostriches would be considered before it’s too late.
Popham later addressed the issue in the legislature, acknowledging the pain caused by bird flu—but underlined the severe risks of mutation.
“If it mutates into a widespread human illness, the consequences would be catastrophic,” she said, defending the CFIA’s precautionary stance.
Caught Between Policy and Possibility
For the Pasitneys, the stakes couldn’t be higher. These birds are not only their livelihood but part of what they see as a broader mission to advance agricultural science.
“Some of these animals have personalities. They’re not just numbers,” said Pasitney.
The coming days could determine whether this unconventional farm continues its research or becomes the latest casualty in a hardline flu prevention strategy. With political support growing and public interest intensifying, all eyes are now on the Federal Court’s decision.
