B.C. ostrich farm fights order to kill birds due to avian flu infection
The battle between a B.C. ostrich farm and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) over the fate of roughly 400 birds has captured the attention of the public and sparked a debate over the ethics of a mass cull.
Universal Ostrich, located in the West Kootenay region near Edgewood, has been ordered to eliminate its entire herd due to an avian flu infection. However, the farm’s owners, Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, are refusing to comply and have taken their case to court.
The farm’s spokesperson, Katie Pasitney, argues that the order to cull the birds is an example of government overreach and fails to consider the specific circumstances of the situation. While some ostriches on the farm have died from avian flu, Pasitney claims that the remaining birds are in good health and have developed herd immunity.
Universal Ostrich has shifted its focus in recent years to research the ostriches’ ability to fight diseases, rather than selling them for meat. The farm has a partnership with Japan’s Kyoto Prefectural University to study the birds’ natural antibodies and their potential benefits in combating illnesses like COVID-19.
Despite these assurances, the CFIA has stood by its decision to issue a cull order, citing the need to minimize the risk of the virus spreading to other bird populations and potentially to humans. The agency has stated that its priority is to protect public and animal health, even if it means depopulating domestic birds on infected premises.
The debate over the cull has sparked a wider discussion about the effectiveness of such measures in controlling the spread of avian flu. Experts have weighed in, noting that while culling may be necessary in certain circumstances, it may not always be the most effective approach, especially in cases where the value of the animals being killed is high.
Support for Universal Ostrich has been growing, with animal rights groups and individuals advocating for a more humane approach to dealing with the birds. The farm has found allies in those who believe in the potential benefits of studying the ostriches’ natural antibodies and their role in fighting diseases.
As the deadline for the cull approaches, Universal Ostrich continues to fight for the survival of its herd, arguing that the birds are more than just livestock and deserve to be treated with compassion and respect. The outcome of this case will not only impact the farm and its owners but could also set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future.
