The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed on Friday that all ostriches on a farm in Edgewood, B.C., have been culled. This action followed the detection of avian flu in the flock last December. The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision not to hear an appeal to save the ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms paved the way for the culling.
After consulting with experts, the CFIA determined that employing professional marksmen in a controlled on-farm setting was the most appropriate and humane method for the cull. The agency emphasized that all depopulation activities were carried out under CFIA veterinary supervision.
The CFIA’s decision to cull the farm’s ostriches was made after the avian flu outbreak resulted in the death of 70 birds. Prior to the culling, an estimated 300 to 330 ostriches resided on the farm.
The months-long saga surrounding the cull raised discussions about government overreach, mistrust in government entities, and virus containment measures. Despite claims from the farm’s owners that the ostriches were healthy with “herd immunity,” the CFIA stressed that apparently healthy ostriches could still harbor the virus, posing a risk of dangerous mutation, especially if exposed to wildlife.
The legal battle culminated when the Supreme Court of Canada declined the farm owners’ final appeal. Supporters of the farm expressed sorrow over the culling, with one farm co-owner expressing deep sadness on social media.
Farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney criticized the CFIA’s actions, highlighting what she deemed as excessive authority wielded by the agency. Pasitney called for better outbreak response and protection measures in Canada.
Political figures, including Conservative MP Scott Anderson and B.C. Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham, expressed their views on the situation, acknowledging the complexity and challenges involved.
In response to the CFIA’s ongoing activities at the farm, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated they would remain present at the site. Edgewood residents shared mixed feelings about the cull, with some acknowledging the necessity of the decision despite the community’s division over the issue.