Canada’s agriculture minister stands by CFIA’s avian flu response as global figures and protesters rally to save 400 ostriches in B.C.
Federal Agency Faces International Pressure Over Ostrich Cull
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is moving forward with the planned cull of nearly 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, after an avian flu outbreak that began in December 2024. The decision has ignited international debate, drawing protests on-site and interventions from high-profile U.S. officials.
The Farm at the Centre of Controversy
Universal Ostrich Farm, a family-run operation in rural B.C., became the focus of national and international attention after avian influenza killed 69 of its ostriches late last year. The CFIA, responsible for managing animal health crises in Canada, ordered the cull of the remaining flock to prevent further spread of the highly infectious virus. The farm’s owners have since filed a Federal Court appeal seeking to halt the cull, arguing the surviving birds have developed immunity and could be valuable for scientific research.
International Voices Join the Debate
The cull has attracted support for the ostriches from across the border. U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote to Canadian officials urging further research instead of euthanasia, while Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, offered to rehouse the birds at his Florida ranch. Despite these offers, farm representative Katie Pasitney stated the family is not interested in relocating the flock, though they appreciate the international support.
Government Response and Due Process
Canadian Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald has emphasized that the government is following due process through the CFIA, considering all relevant information before making a final decision. MacDonald stated he has not been in contact with his U.S. counterparts and expressed confidence in Canada’s regulatory framework, highlighting the need to protect the broader agricultural sector from the economic and health risks posed by avian flu.
“We’ll move forward on the best possible solution for everybody involved… but we also have the economic side to this, we have to protect other industries and sectors as well,” MacDonald said.
Protests and Public Safety Concerns
Protesters and animal advocates have gathered at the Edgewood farm for weeks, hoping to prevent the cull. The situation has become tense, with the union representing CFIA workers expressing concern for their members’ safety amid threats and heightened emotions. The union reiterated that the cull is a last-resort measure mandated for public and animal health, not a decision made lightly.
Legal and Scientific Arguments
The farm’s legal appeal argues that the CFIA’s approach is too rigid and that the surviving ostriches, having lived through the outbreak, could provide valuable scientific insights into avian flu immunity. Supporters, including Kennedy and Oz, have called for a pause to allow independent veterinary assessments and further research, but the CFIA maintains that swift action is required to protect Canada’s food supply and international trade reputation.
What Happens Next
While the CFIA has confirmed the cull will proceed, it has not disclosed a specific date, citing privacy and security concerns. The legal challenge remains before the courts, and the farm’s supporters continue to seek political and public backing for an exemption. The outcome will set an important precedent for how Canada balances animal welfare, scientific inquiry, and biosecurity in the face of global scrutiny.
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