CFIA to Proceed with Ostrich Cull Following Supreme Court Decision
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced it will carry out the complete depopulation of hundreds of ostriches at a British Columbia farm after the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the owners' final appeal.
Background of the Culling Order
The CFIA issued the cull order on December 31, after discovering an avian flu outbreak at Universal Ostrich Farms located in Edgewood, B.C. This sparked a legal battle lasting nearly 10 months between the farm owners and the government agency.
Legal and Health Perspectives
The agency confirmed it has complied with all court orders and expects the farm owners and their supporters to do the same now that the high court has refused to hear the appeal.
The farm’s owners maintain that the surviving ostriches show no symptoms and should not be culled. In contrast, the CFIA emphasizes that even apparently healthy ostriches can carry and transmit the avian flu virus.
Reaction at the Farm
Supporters gathered at the farm and formed a prayer circle while co-owner Dave Bilinski shared the ruling, expressing hope for a “miracle” to save the flock.
“I hope for a miracle to save the flock,” said co-owner Dave Bilinski upon hearing the ruling.
News Source
This report was first published by The Canadian Press in early November.
Summary
The CFIA’s decision to proceed with the ostrich cull follows the Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal, amid concerns about controlling the spread of avian flu despite the owners’ claims of healthy birds.