Universal Ostrich Farms Faces “Complete Depopulation” Order
The Ostrich Farm BC controversy has reignited national debate over animal welfare and government authority, as the Supreme Court of Canada declined to halt a controversial cull of nearly 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms near Edgewood, British Columbia. The decision effectively clears the path for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to begin what it calls a “complete depopulation” amid fears of a potential H5N1 avian flu outbreak.
The case has gripped the nation, drawing attention from animal rights advocates, politicians, and even prominent U.S. figures. With protesters gathering at the site, the BC ostrich farm has become a focal point of public frustration over pandemic-era government policies and transparency in public health decisions.
CFIA Ostrich Cull Sparks Nationwide Debate
The CFIA ostrich cull order was first issued in May 2025 after officials detected signs of illness among the flock at Universal Ostrich Farm. Sixty-nine ostriches reportedly died from a flu-like infection, prompting the agency to seize control of the facility earlier this week. The CFIA says the cull is necessary to prevent a broader outbreak of avian influenza, which poses risks to other poultry and potentially to humans.
Despite the government’s assurances, the farm’s owners and supporters have accused authorities of overreach and negligence. “They are prehistoric animals that have survived millions of years, but they won’t survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” said spokesperson Katie Pasitney, criticizing what she described as the “murder” of healthy birds.
Co-owner Dave Bilinski echoed her concerns, stating, “I’m afraid there’s no justice left,” following the court’s refusal to intervene.
Supreme Court of Canada Rejects Appeal
The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision not to hear the farm’s appeal effectively ends the owners’ legal efforts to stop the cull. Earlier in the week, the court had issued a temporary stay, pausing the order while considering whether to hear the case. Thursday’s ruling removed that barrier, allowing the CFIA ostrich cull to proceed immediately.
Animal rights advocates have urged the government to conduct additional testing before carrying out the cull, noting that the last recorded bird flu death on the farm occurred in January 2025. They argue that the surviving flock appears healthy and may have developed natural immunity to the H5N1 virus. However, a federal court ruled that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could risk spreading infection across the poultry industry and beyond.
International Reactions and Political Fallout
The ostrish farm update has drawn attention from unexpected quarters. U.S. officials — including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, and Mehmet Oz, director of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — reportedly appealed to Canadian authorities to halt the cull. Oz even offered to relocate the birds to his ranch in Florida. Billionaire John Catsimatidis joined the plea, describing the cull as an unnecessary tragedy.
In Canada, the political fallout has intensified. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the federal government for mismanaging the crisis but avoided directly addressing the ostrich issue. Protesters at the Universal Ostrich Farm have accused Ottawa of ignoring both science and compassion, while social media livestreams from the site continue to attract thousands of viewers demanding transparency.
How the Cull Will Be Conducted
According to a 2016 CFIA manual, ostriches may be euthanized through lethal injection, gas, or, in rare cases, by breaking the neck. Shooting is permitted only if a “skilled marksman” is present and other methods are not feasible. Reports from The Guardian indicate that officials have begun setting up floodlights and equipment at the site, signaling the imminent start of operations.
The process has fueled outrage among the public, with many arguing that the cull is both inhumane and avoidable. Yet, CFIA maintains that its actions align with World Health Organization guidelines designed to contain avian flu outbreaks.
The Bigger Picture: A Test for Canada’s Biosecurity and Public Trust
The Ostrich Farm BC case highlights growing skepticism toward government institutions and the handling of agricultural crises. While authorities emphasize the importance of preventing disease spread, critics say the event underscores deeper issues — including communication failures, lack of transparency, and disregard for animal welfare.
As tensions rise, the Universal Ostrich Farm story has become more than a local controversy; it’s now a symbol of the clash between government authority, private rights, and public perception in a post-pandemic world.
Conclusion
The unfolding events at the BC ostrich farm represent a pivotal moment for both Canada’s agricultural policy and public trust. Whether viewed as a necessary biosecurity measure or an act of bureaucratic overreach, the CFIA ostrich cull will likely shape future discussions on how Canada balances disease control with ethical farming practices.
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