Edgewood, British Columbia (Richa Walia) : A controversy has erupted in southern Interior B.C. as supporters of the Universal Ostrich Farm prepare to gather at the property after it lost a court appeal against a government-ordered cull of its birds.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the destruction of about 400 ostriches at the Edgewood farm after several birds tested positive for H5N1 avian flu last December, resulting in the deaths of 69 birds by January. Despite the farmers’ claims that the flock is now healthy, the CFIA insists the cull is necessary to prevent risks to both public health and Canada’s agricultural exports.
On Thursday, the Federal Court of Appeal rejected the farm’s plea to block the cull, prompting an outpouring of support on social media. Some backers claimed they were booking flights or driving to the farm, while others called for convoys or even U.S. intervention to relocate the birds.
Farm spokeswoman Katie Pasitney, whose mother co-owns the business, urged supporters to “sit with animals that need protection” from the cull. Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel’s office said there has been no communication with U.S. officials on the matter.
The CFIA has not revealed details of its operational timeline, but a May update on its website confirms that planning continues for “humane depopulation with veterinary oversight.”
