Overview

• The Federal Court of Appeal will hear Universal Ostrich Farm’s challenge on July 15 to overturn a CFIA order to cull about 400 birds infected with a novel H5N1 reassortant, with a stay in place pending the decision.
• The CFIA defends its stamping-out policy, aligned with World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, as vital to prevent viral mutation and protect human health and Canada’s trading status.
• The farm is seeking an exemption for scientific study after collaborating with Kyoto Prefectural University on antibody research and pushing for independent testing of the unique virus strain.
• Earlier in the process the Federal Court dismissed the farm’s judicial review on May 13 and the Appeal Court refused independent testing on June 20, prompting an expedited appeal hearing.
• International supporters such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz have offered to relocate or study the ostriches, while the farm contends with 19 quarantine measures and $20,000 in CFIA penalties.