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3h ago

Appeal Court Clears Way for CFIA to Cull 400 Ostriches in B.C.

The agency cites ongoing animal and human health risks from a novel H5N1 reassortant to justify a monitored depopulation.

A sign calling for the protection of ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farms is displayed at the farm in Edgewood.
Edgewood ostrich farm appeal denied
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Overview

  • The Federal Court of Appeal unanimously upheld the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s decisions, denied new evidence, and left no stay in place on the cull order.
  • CFIA ordered depopulation after 69 ostriches died and two tested positive for H5N1 in late 2024, with testing indicating a unique viral reassortant linked to higher mutation and transmission concerns.
  • Universal Ostrich Farms says the surviving flock appears healthy and scientifically valuable, and its lawyer is preparing an emergency stay request and an application for leave to the Supreme Court of Canada.
  • CFIA says it is planning humane depopulation with veterinary oversight and warns of ongoing risks to public and animal health as well as Canada’s export market, while withholding operational timelines.
  • Supporters are traveling to the Edgewood property for a peaceful presence, the case has drawn offers of alternatives from U.S. figures Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mehmet Oz, and the farm faces prior CFIA penalties and $7,000 in court costs.