The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has dismissed an appeal and upheld a significant fine against a British Columbia ostrich farm for its delayed reporting of a dangerous avian influenza outbreak. Universal Ostrich Farms must pay a $10,000 penalty originally imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Outbreak Details and Delayed Reporting
The incident unfolded at the farm in Edgewood, B.C., in late 2024. The CFIA stated that the farm violated critical health regulations by not immediately notifying authorities when the H5N1 avian influenza virus struck. Despite the virus killing 69 birds in the flock, the nearest veterinary inspector was not informed for nearly three weeks.
CFIA veterinarians only learned of the crisis after receiving an anonymous tip to a dedicated "sick bird line" on December 28, 2024. H5N1, commonly known as bird flu, is classified as a reportable disease due to its severe risk to animal populations and potential human health implications.
A Contentious Battle and Flock Cull
The dispute between Universal Ostrich Farms and the federal agency became a prominent news story throughout 2025. The farm's owners, Dave Bilinski and Karen Espersen, fought vigorously to overturn a subsequent CFIA order to euthanize their remaining flock of approximately 300 ostriches.
After several unsuccessful appeals, the cull proceeded in November 2025. Professional marksmen were brought in to carry out the task, which the CFIA deemed the most humane method available. The tribunal's decision to uphold the fine was finalized on December 11, 2025, noting that multiple attempts to contact the farm's legal representatives before the hearing went unanswered.
Tribunal Findings and Owner's Defense
In her ruling, tribunal decision-maker Emily Crocco addressed the owners' defense. Bilinski had claimed he did not initially suspect avian flu because he had observed similar symptoms from a different infection called "pseudomonas" in the flock back in 2020.
However, Crocco found that Bilinski should have recognized the signs. He had reportedly noticed birds exhibiting lethargy, depression, watery eyes, and some laying in water—symptoms consistent with avian influenza in ostriches. The tribunal also noted that attempts to contact a general veterinarian over the Christmas holidays did not satisfy the legal requirement to report to a qualified CFIA veterinary inspector.
Evidence presented during the proceedings highlighted that while young ostriches can show severe symptoms like lack of coordination, head tremors, and even bright green urine, adult ostriches often show no clinical signs when infected, making vigilance and testing crucial.
This case underscores the strict protocols in place for managing highly contagious animal diseases in Canada and the serious consequences for farms that fail to comply with mandatory reporting rules designed to protect the agricultural industry and public health.
