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Federal Agency Confirms Ostrich Cull as Supporters Gather at B.C. Farm

The CFIA plans to begin the humane depopulation of 400 ostriches after a Federal Court ruling upheld the cull order, while farm supporters rally to block the action.

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A herd of ostriches is seen on a remote farm in Edgewood, B.C., in an undated photo supplied by Universal Ostrich Farms Inc. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Katie Pasitney *MANDATORY CREDIT*
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Overview

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced plans to proceed with the humane culling of 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., citing biosecurity concerns after an avian flu outbreak.
  • A Federal Court ruling on May 13, 2025, upheld the CFIA’s December 2024 cull order, rejecting the farm's appeals for judicial review and exemption.
  • Farm owner Karen Espersen has called on supporters to physically surround the farm to prevent the cull, with approximately 40 individuals already on-site as of May 14, 2025.
  • The farm argues that the surviving ostriches have developed herd immunity and could provide valuable research data, but the CFIA maintains the cull is necessary to prevent further disease risk.
  • B.C. Premier David Eby and animal advocacy groups have criticized the federal response, calling for fair compensation and a reconsideration of the culling policy.