The Fight to Save B.C.'s Ostriches: Avian Flu, Court Battles, and Celebrity Support
A controversial battle is unfolding in Edgewood, British Columbia, where Universal Ostrich Farms is fighting a government order to cull its flock of over 400 ostriches due to an outbreak of avian flu. The farm's struggle has garnered international attention, drawing support from figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and sparking debate around vaccine skepticism and government intervention.
The Avian Flu Outbreak and Cull Order
The situation began in December 2024, when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) intervened after receiving reports of ostrich deaths at Universal Ostrich Farms. Testing confirmed the presence of the H5N1 avian influenza virus, leading to a cull order for the remaining birds. The CFIA argued that allowing the ostriches to live posed a risk of spreading the virus to other animals and potentially contributing to genetic mutations that could increase its adaptability to mammals.
Legal Battles and Arguments for Saving the Flock
Universal Ostrich Farms has been engaged in a lengthy legal battle to prevent the cull. They argue that the remaining ostriches have developed herd immunity after the initial outbreak, making them scientifically valuable for research into alternatives to traditional vaccines. The farm owners believe that the survival rate of their ostriches, compared to other poultry, warrants halting the cull and allowing for testing. Despite losing bids in both Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal, the farm continues to fight for their ostriches, with a deadline of October 3rd to apply for leave to take the case to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Growing Support and Controversy
The plight of the ostriches has attracted significant attention, particularly within right-wing media circles. Figures like Robert Kennedy Jr., who wrote to the CFIA, and former T.V. personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, who offered to relocate the birds to his ranch, have voiced their support. This support has been linked to broader themes of vaccine skepticism, climate denial, and conspiracy theories. The situation has also drawn comparisons to the "Freedom Convoy" protests, with individuals and groups associated with the convoy rallying in support of the farm.
A Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 2024 | CFIA intervenes after reports of ostrich deaths; verbal quarantine order issued. |
| Dec. 31, 2024 | H5N1 avian influenza confirmed. Cull order issued, deadline Feb. 1, 2025. |
| Jan. 2025 | Farm applies for exemption, claiming "rare and valuable genetics." CFIA denies exemption. |
| Jan. 15, 2025 | Last ostrich death reported, total of 69. |
| Jan. 31, 2025 | Federal Court issues stay of cull order. |
| May 13, 2025 | Farm loses application for judicial review. |
| May 16-18, 2025 | "Ostrich Fest" protest and concert held. |
| May 23, 2025 | Kennedy Jr., NIH director, and FDA commissioner write to CFIA president. |
| May 27, 2025 | Dr. Oz offers to relocate birds; farm declines. |
| June 20, 2025 | Federal Court of Appeal grants second stay of cull order. |
| July 11-13, 2025 | Another concert held, featuring "Freedom Convoy" organizer Tamara Lich. |
| Aug. 21, 2025 | Federal Court of Appeal upholds May 13 ruling. |
| Sept. 6, 2025 | Farm granted interim stay by Federal Court of Appeal. |
| Sept. 12, 2025 | Federal Court of Appeal judge says cull must proceed. |
| Sept. 22, 2025 | RCMP attend farm at CFIA request to execute search warrant. |
The CFIA's Perspective
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) maintains that the cull is necessary to prevent the spread of avian flu. They argue that even if the ostriches show no clinical signs of disease, they could still shed the virus and act as a reservoir for further infection. The agency emphasizes the potential for the virus to mutate and become more adaptable to mammals, posing a significant threat to public health and livestock.
The Future of Universal Ostrich Farms
As of late September 2025, the fate of Universal Ostrich Farms and its flock remains uncertain. The farm continues to explore legal avenues to challenge the cull order, while facing increasing pressure from the CFIA to comply. The case has become a focal point for broader debates about government authority, animal welfare, and the role of science in public health policy. The next deadline is October 3rd for applying for appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.
