The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has raised concerns about potential risks to animal and human health due to delays in carrying out the ostrich cull at a British Columbia farm. The agency announced on Friday that it will continue to provide veterinary oversight and use feed from Universal Ostrich Farms’ regular suppliers to feed the birds. The farm, located in southeastern B.C., houses between 300 and 330 ostriches, with efforts ongoing to determine an exact count. One ostrich on the premises has been identified as having compromised health, although specific details were not disclosed.
Following a last-minute stay of the cull by the Supreme Court of Canada earlier this week, the birds on the farm have been granted a temporary reprieve. The court’s stay will remain in effect until a decision is made on hearing the case. If the court deems there is a valid argument for appeal, the birds will be safe until a ruling is reached in the case brought by Universal Ostrich Farms.
The cull was initially ordered after an avian flu outbreak on the farm. However, the farm owners contested the decision, claiming that the surviving birds are healthy and scientifically valuable. Despite their challenges, both the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal have dismissed their arguments.
The agency revealed that after confirming the outbreak, a laboratory in Winnipeg isolated the virus and conducted whole genome sequencing. The virus detected is a “novel reassortment” not previously identified in Canada. It includes a genotype associated with a human infection in a poultry worker in Ohio. The statement highlighted that this novel reassortment has increased the pathogenicity of the H5N1 genotype, making even small amounts of the virus potentially lethal.
CFIA officials, accompanied by the RCMP, have maintained custody of the birds since the stay order was issued earlier this week. The case has garnered international support, with supporters rallying at the farm and an online campaign to prevent the cull gaining momentum.
The situation has also sparked investigations into threats of violence against businesses involved in the CFIA operation. The matter was even raised in the House of Commons, with Conservative MP Mel Arnold questioning the necessity of the cull and urging the government to work with the agriculture sector to address the issue.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel responded by stating that she is collaborating closely with the Minister of Agriculture but refrained from further comments due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The CFIA emphasized its stamping-out policy for farms affected by avian flu to safeguard human and animal health as well as international trade access.
The agency pointed out that wild birds are believed to be the primary source of infections, with outbreaks surging during migration seasons in recent years. Since 2022, the CFIA has issued orders to destroy millions of birds in Canada, predominantly within commercial flocks.
