Dr. Oz says B.C. ostriches may have valuable avian flu secrets and should be saved

Celebrity Doctor Mehmet Oz Advocates for Saving Ostrich Herd in B.C. Amid Bird Flu Concerns

Renowned celebrity doctor turned U.S. health official, Dr. Mehmet Oz, has spoken out against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s order to cull a herd of ostriches in British Columbia over bird flu concerns. Dr. Oz believes that the culling of the birds would be a mistake and a missed opportunity for scientific research.

Dr. Oz’s Perspective

During a news conference alongside New York radio host John Catsimatidis and Katie Pasitney, co-owner of Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., Dr. Oz expressed his belief that the ostriches have survived potential avian flu infections and hold valuable secrets that could aid in scientific advancements.

He drew parallels to the discovery of penicillin, emphasizing the importance of not discarding potential sources of knowledge. Dr. Oz proposed that the ostrich herd be saved and relocated to the United States for further study to uncover the secrets behind their resilience to the disease.

Legal Battle and Appeals

The farm’s lawyer, Umar Sheikh, is pursuing a stay of the cull order and intends to appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Canada. He is drafting an application in hopes of delaying the cull until a decision is reached. However, he acknowledges the rigorous process of getting a case accepted by the Supreme Court.

Potential Collaboration for Research

Dr. Oz has been in discussions with U.S. health officials, including Jay Bhattacharya of the National Institutes of Health, regarding the possibility of studying the ostriches to gain insights that could be beneficial in combating future avian flu pandemics among humans. He envisions a collaboration between the United States and Canada to explore the secrets held by the ostriches.

CFIA’s Response

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has yet to provide a written response to Dr. Oz’s proposal. While the agency maintains that the cull is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, Dr. Oz and supporters of the farm are advocating for the preservation of the ostrich herd for research purposes.

As the legal battle continues and discussions unfold, the fate of the ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms hangs in the balance, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for their respective positions.

This report, based on The Canadian Press, sheds light on the ongoing debate surrounding the ostrich herd in B.C. and the potential implications for scientific research and public health.

By Darryl Greer, The Canadian Press