From Flu Outbreak to High Court: The B.C. Ostrich Cull Saga
Background and Initial Outbreak
Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, opposed a cull order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for over 10 months. The agency ordered the cull to prevent the spread of avian influenza among the farm's ostriches, which would result in the deaths of hundreds of birds.
Timeline of Key Events
- Early December 2024: An outbreak of "flu-like" symptoms kills 25 to 30 ostriches within three weeks.
- December 28, 2024: CFIA intervenes after an anonymous report of bird deaths and imposes a quarantine order.
- December 31, 2024: Tests on two carcasses confirm H5 avian influenza, later identified as H5N1. CFIA immediately issues a cull order with a February 1, 2025 deadline to dispose of all affected birds.
- January 4–9, 2025: The farm requests an exemption from the cull, citing the "rare and valuable genetics" of their ostriches.
- January 10, 2025: CFIA denies the exemption request.
- January 15, 2025: The last ostrich death is reported at the farm, totaling 69 birds lost.
- January 31, 2025: The Federal Court issues a stay on the cull order as it reviews the farm’s judicial review application.
Supreme Court Decision
On a Thursday morning, the Supreme Court of Canada announced it would not hear a final appeal from Universal Ostrich Farms, effectively allowing the cull to proceed.
"The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the appeal paves the way for the cull to move forward in protecting public and animal health."
Author's Summary
This case highlights the tension between agricultural disease control measures and farmers' efforts to protect valuable livestock genetics amid a serious avian flu outbreak.
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