Ostrich Farm Cull Leaves Community Reeling
The community surrounding Universal Ostrich Farms near Edgewood, B.C., is grappling with the aftermath of a government-ordered cull that saw the farm's flock destroyed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) initiated the depopulation on Thursday, November 6, 2025, with shooting continuing overnight into Friday, November 7.
By Friday morning, the scene at the farm was somber. Tarpaulins were seen covering objects on the ground inside a holding pen that had been filled with live ostriches just a day prior. The visual starkly illustrated the swift and final action taken by federal officials.
Supporters Mobilize Following Government Action
In the wake of the cull, supporters of the farm and its owners are now actively looking at their next steps. While the CFIA has not released an official public statement detailing the specific reason for this particular cull, such actions are typically undertaken to control the spread of reportable diseases, such as avian influenza.
The sudden loss of the entire flock represents a significant emotional and financial blow to the farm operators. Community members who backed the farm are now rallying to determine how best to support the business through this challenging period and what recourse, if any, is available to them.
Broader Context of Avian Flu in B.C.
This incident occurs amidst ongoing concerns about avian flu in the region. In a separate but related report, staff at an animal sanctuary in Summerland, B.C., have expressed being 'devastated' by an avian flu case at their facility. This highlights the widespread impact and constant threat the disease poses to poultry and exotic bird operations across the province.
The CFIA, as the national regulator, has the authority to order the depopulation of animals to prevent the spread of contagious diseases that could threaten Canada's food supply and broader agricultural industry. The situation at Universal Ostrich Farms underscores the difficult balance between disease control and the survival of individual farming enterprises.
