CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull After Supreme Court Declines Appeal
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will carry out a "complete depopulation" of hundreds of ostriches on a British Columbia farm following a Supreme Court of Canada decision not to hear the owners' final appeal.
Background of the Outbreak and Legal Battle
The cull order was issued on December 31 after an avian flu outbreak was detected at Universal Ostrich Farms, located in Edgewood, B.C. This sparked a 10-month legal struggle as the farm’s owners contested the order.
CFIA’s Position and Farm Owners’ Response
The CFIA stated it has complied with all court orders and expects the farm owners and their supporters to do the same. The agency warns that ostriches appearing healthy may still carry and spread the disease.
“Ostriches that appear healthy may still spread the disease.”
The owners argue that the surviving ostriches show no signs of illness and should not be culled. Supporters gathered at the farm, forming a prayer circle while co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the news, expressing hope for a “miracle” to save the flock.
“I hope for a miracle to save the flock.” — Dave Bilinski, co-owner
Current Status and Next Steps
With the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal, there are no longer any legal obstacles preventing the cull from proceeding.
About the Report
This report was originally published by The Canadian Press in November.
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Summary
The CFIA will move ahead with the mass culling of ostriches after the Supreme Court declined the farm owners' last appeal, despite disputes over the birds' health status.