From flu outbreak to 'Ostrichfest' to high court, how B.C. ostrich cull saga unfolded

From Flu Outbreak to High Court: The B.C. Ostrich Cull Saga

Background

Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, Canada, spent over 10 months fighting a cull order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that aimed to kill hundreds of its ostriches. The Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear the final appeal, allowing the cull to proceed.

Timeline of Key Events

Early December 2024

An outbreak of "flu-like" symptoms appeared among the ostriches, killing 25 to 30 birds within three weeks.
On December 28, after an anonymous report of the deaths, the CFIA imposed a verbal quarantine on the farm.
On December 31, tests on two carcasses confirmed the presence of H5 avian influenza, specifically H5N1.
Within minutes of confirmation, the CFIA issued a cull order with a deadline of February 1, 2025, to dispose of all affected birds.

January 2025

From January 4 to 9, the farm applied for an exemption, citing the "rare and valuable genetics" of its ostriches.
On January 10, the CFIA rejected the exemption request.
By January 15, the farm reported the last ostrich death, totaling 69 birds lost.
On January 31, the Federal Court stayed the cull order pending judicial review.

“The ostriches have rare and valuable genetics worthy of preservation,” said the farm in their exemption application.

Outcome

The Supreme Court of Canada’s refusal to hear the appeal marked the end of legal efforts to stop the cull, clearing the way for the CFIA's plan to proceed.

Summary: The B.C. ostrich farm's long legal battle against a cull order highlights tensions between animal preservation and public health measures during an avian influenza outbreak.

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CollingwoodToday.ca — 2025-11-06