Mass Culling Ends Year-Long Legal Battle Over Infected Birds
More than 300 ostriches were euthanized Thursday night at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., marking the conclusion of an almost year-long legal effort to save the birds. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency proceeded with the cull after the Supreme Court of Canada announced early Thursday that it would not hear an appeal from the farm owners.
Court Battles and Final Decision
The CFIA moved forward with what it calls "complete depopulation and disposal" of the birds, following its stamping out policy for avian flu. This action came after multiple failed legal challenges by the farm owners. Both the Federal Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal had previously determined that the CFIA acted reasonably and in a procedurally fair manner in its decision to apply the stamping-out policy.
The original cull order was issued ten months ago after an outbreak on the farm resulted in the death of 69 birds. During Thursday night's operation, farm supporters gathered outside the enclosure made of hay bales, shouting "Stop!" and "Murderers!" as gunshots signaled the end of the lengthy dispute.
Aftermath and Industry Protection
By Friday morning, the holding pen that had been filled with ostriches just hours earlier appeared still and empty. Long blue tarpaulins covered objects on the ground, with additional black sheeting providing further concealment. The area was secured by RCMP officers who had blocked access roads during the operation.
The CFIA defended its decision in a statement, emphasizing that their disease response aims to protect both public and animal health while minimizing impacts on Canada's $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry. The agency noted the importance of maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in poultry exports, highlighting the economic stakes involved in controlling disease outbreaks.
