Government Pushes On with Full Eradication Plan to Cull 400 Ostriches
The nation’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the highest judicial body declined to block the contentious slaughter.
Legal Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling
On Thursday removed any legal barrier to commencing the slaughter.
Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in the month of May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, amid fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.
Recently, officials seized control of the business.
Sixty-nine ostriches have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.
On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it weighed whether to take up the matter.
Governmental and Societal Responses
The growing row over the birds – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.
The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.
In early October, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he supported protesters.
The Tory leader has steered clear of making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the cull.
He informed reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.
International Interest and Offers
A number of high-profile figures from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada.
The American health chief offered to move the birds to his ranch in Florida.
An American billionaire has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.
Scientific and Ethical Debates
The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was following a eradication policy in order to limit the transmission of bird flu, a move in line with wider advice from international health bodies.
However, animal rights organizations have urged the authority to perform further testing on the birds to verify they are carrying the virus.
The ranch operators said that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or recovered, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.
They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and effectiveness of testing on the ostriches.
Farm Spokesperson Response
Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the press that the authority was killing birds in good health.
“They are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she said.
A co-owner said he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.
Judicial and Authority Findings
A national court, however, found that allowing the ostriches to stay alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.
The agency has not announced when it plans to start culling the birds.
Culling Procedures
A 2016 guideline document, obtained under public access laws, says ostriches can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs multiple individuals: one person to restrain the bird by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.
Personnel can also use gas or break the birds’ necks.
Employees of the agency can only shoot the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.
Recent Updates
As per reports, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.