Overview

• The unanimous Federal Court of Appeal ruling rejected Universal Ostrich Farm’s bid to block the cull and said courts do not grant exemptions from government policy.
• There is no stay in place, and the CFIA has said it will not disclose operational timing for carrying out the depopulation.
• Farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney called the decision devastating, said the birds have shown no symptoms for 219 days, plans to seek a stay next week, and urged a peaceful on-site presence by supporters.
• The CFIA ordered the destruction of about 400 ostriches after 69 died and tests found a novel H5N1 reassortment, citing ongoing risks to animal and human health and to export markets.
• The farm was previously issued $20,000 in penalties for non-compliance, the appeal decision awarded $7,000 in costs, and local reporting says compensation remains unclear if the CFIA conducts the cull itself.