In Edgewood, British Columbia, the Universal Ostrich Farms faces a significant crisis due to an avian influenza outbreak. This situation has led to a contentious cull order issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which threatens the lives of hundreds of ostriches. The Supreme Court of Canada is expected to announce its decision regarding a final appeal against this order soon.
Timeline of Events in the Ostrich Cull Saga
Here are the key events surrounding the cull order:
- Early December 2024: Symptoms resembling influenza emerge among the ostriches, resulting in the deaths of 25 to 30 birds over three weeks.
- December 28, 2024: Following an anonymous report, the CFIA imposes a quarantine on the farm.
- December 31, 2024: Tests confirm the presence of H5N1 avian influenza. The CFIA issues a cull order with a deadline of February 1, 2025, for disposing of affected birds.
- January 4-9, 2025: Universal Ostrich Farms applies for an exemption, citing the genetic value of their ostriches.
- January 10, 2025: The CFIA denies the exemption request.
- January 15, 2025: The last reported ostrich death raises the total to 69.
- January 31, 2025: The Federal Court stays the cull as it reviews the farmhouse’s judicial review application.
- May 13, 2025: The farm’s judicial review application is denied; the judge deems the CFIA’s actions reasonable.
- May 16-18, 2025: The farm hosts “Ostrich Fest,” a concert and protest event attracting hundreds.
- May 23, 2025: U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. writes to CFIA president Paul MacKinnon, advocating against the cull.
- May 27, 2025: Dr. Mehmet Oz offers to relocate the ostriches, but the farm declines.
- June 20, 2025: The Federal Court of Appeal grants a second stay on the cull.
- July 11-13, 2025: Another concert is held at the farm, featuring notable performers.
- July 15, 2025: Kennedy further urges the Canadian government to delay the cull for research purposes.
- August 21, 2025: The Federal Court of Appeal dismisses the farm’s appeal.
- September 6, 2025: A new stay is granted, delaying the cull yet again.
- September 12, 2025: A Federal Court judge insists the cull should proceed, rejecting the farm’s request for another stay.
- September 22, 2025: CFIA and RCMP prepare for the cull at the farm.
- September 23, 2025: Pasitney and co-owner Karen Espersen are arrested for protesting the cull but later released.
- September 24, 2025: The Supreme Court issues an interim stay while considering the final appeal.
- September 25, 2025: The RCMP investigates threats against businesses associated with the CFIA.
- October 4, 2025: CFIA reports the death of one ostrich under its care.
- October 31, 2025: The Supreme Court will announce on November 6 whether it will hear the appeal.
Impact and Public Response
The situation has garnered considerable public attention. Animal rights groups and concerned individuals have rallied in support of Universal Ostrich Farms, seeking to prevent the cull. The outcome of the Supreme Court’s ruling may determine the fate of these birds and set a precedent for future animal health issues and farming disputes.
As the legal battles continue, the farm remains a focal point for discussions on animal conservation and biosecurity in agricultural practices across Canada.
