Dr. Oz, billionaire John Catsimatidis offer to take B.C. ostriches ordered killed due to avian flu
High-profile officials in the U.S. federal government, along with a prominent billionaire, are now stepping in to weigh in on the fate of a flock of ostriches ordered to be killed on a farm in a remote part of the B.C. Interior. Former TV host Dr. Mehmet Oz, who now serves as the administrator for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, has made an offer to relocate the birds to his ranch in Florida, as reported by the New York Post.
CBC News has confirmed the offer with Katie Pasitney, a spokesperson for Universal Ostrich in Edgewood, B.C., which is co-owned by her mother. Pasitney mentioned that Oz had reached out to the farm to discuss the offer, but they ultimately decided to keep the birds in Canada.
In addition to Oz’s offer, American billionaire John Catsimatidis expressed his concerns about the cull order for the ostriches. Catsimatidis, along with Oz and U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is seeking a diplomatic meeting with Canadian officials to discuss the situation before any irreversible actions are taken.
Catsimatidis, who is the CEO of Red Apple Group, emphasized the need for U.S. health officials to evaluate the health of the birds before proceeding with the cull. He highlighted the importance of exploring all options to save the ostriches and prevent unnecessary harm.
Kennedy also intervened by meeting with the president of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to advocate for the reconsideration of the cull order. The farm argued that the remaining ostriches had either recovered or showed no signs of infection, and they proposed that further studies could provide valuable insights into immunity to the disease.
The CFIA defended its decision to order the cull based on World Organization for Animal Health recommendations and the need to protect public health and the poultry industry. The agency stated that the \”stamping out\” policy was necessary to contain the highly pathogenic avian flu and safeguard the economy.
Despite the farm’s efforts to seek an exemption and collaborate with researchers, the CFIA determined that the cull should proceed. The agency emphasized the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
The involvement of U.S. officials and the billionaire community has sparked a debate about animal welfare, government regulations, and international cooperation in addressing health crises. Supporters of the farm have gathered to protest the cull order, while others have expressed concerns about government overreach.
The farm has urged supporters to remain peaceful, as online rhetoric has escalated to violent threats. The CFIA emphasized the need to prioritize public health and safety in making decisions about animal culls.
As the controversy continues, stakeholders on both sides are advocating for a balanced approach that considers the welfare of the ostriches, the impact on the poultry industry, and the importance of international collaboration in addressing health challenges. The fate of the ostriches remains uncertain as the debate unfolds.
