Supreme Court of Canada to Decide on Ostrich Cull Case
The Supreme Court of Canada will announce next week whether it will hear a significant case from British Columbia’s Interior region. The decision is expected next Thursday regarding Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood.
Background of the Case
The farm owners are contesting a cull ordered last December by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This action followed an avian flu outbreak that reportedly killed 69 ostriches on the farm.
- Tests on two deceased birds confirmed the presence of the H5N1 flu strain.
- Farm owners want the surviving ostriches tested, arguing they exhibit no symptoms of illness.
Differing Views on the Cull
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency maintains that ostriches appearing healthy can still transmit the disease, including new virus mutations.
Meanwhile, the farmers believe the healthy birds should be spared from the cull until further testing is completed.
Current Court Actions
The Supreme Court has issued a temporary stay on the cull and ordered the CFIA to take custody of the birds. This pause remains until the Court decides whether to hear the farm owners’ appeal, following their loss in several lower courts.
Summary
The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision will determine if Universal Ostrich Farms can challenge the government-ordered cull amid an avian flu outbreak.
"The Supreme Court of Canada will make a decision next week about whether it will hear a high-profile case out of B.C’s Interior."
Author’s summary: The Supreme Court prepares to rule next week on whether to hear the appeal of Universal Ostrich Farms challenging a government-mandated avian flu cull in B.C.