BC Ostrich Farm loses a profession against bird flu Cull

The Federal Court of Appeal has made a decision regarding a British Columbia ostrich farm’s appeal to prevent their herd from being infected with bird flu. Universal Struisse Farms had applied for a judicial review to stop the culling of around 400 birds, as ordered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. However, the appeal was rejected by the court, which also denied a request for new evidence to be considered in the case.

The court acknowledged the difficult situation faced by the farm owners, as the culling of their ostriches could have significant financial and emotional consequences. Despite this, the court stated that the law must be upheld, and the appeal was ultimately rejected.

The ruling deemed the CFIA’s policy of completely culling infected poultry flocks as reasonable, with the criteria for its application being met in the case of the farm in Edgewe, BC. This decision had garnered opposition from various American officials, including health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

In response to the ruling, a spokeswoman for Universal Ostrich Farm expressed devastation, stating that the CFIA could potentially come and kill their healthy ostriches at any time. The farm plans to request a stay of the ruling and has invited supporters to visit the farm and peacefully show their support for the animals in need of protection.

The farm emphasized that the ostriches are not merely livestock but living beings that symbolize resilience and natural immunity. Despite the setback, they remain hopeful and determined to save the remaining birds, citing their scientific value.

The court emphasized that it is not within their jurisdiction to grant exemptions from government policies and that their role is to ensure that decisions are reasonable based on legal standards. The stamping-out policy, which led to the culling order, was deemed reasonable, and the appeal was unanimously rejected.

Despite the challenges faced by Universal Struisse Farms, they remain committed to fighting for the survival of their ostriches and exploring alternative solutions with the support of their community. The farm’s determination to protect their animals and challenge harmful policies reflects their dedication to animal welfare and preservation.