Protesters gather at B.C. farm as ostriches set to be killed over bird flu fears

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced that the cull of a flock of ostriches in southwest B.C. will proceed in order to combat the threat of avian flu. The agency stated that it will not be providing advanced details of the operation, citing the need to protect public health and prevent the spread of the deadly bird disease.

The decision to move forward with the cull comes after a court ruling on May 13 affirmed that the CFIA had followed proper procedures in ordering the cull and had the authority to make decisions on behalf of the Canadian government. The judge acknowledged the economic and emotional toll the loss of the birds would have on the farm but emphasized the importance of balancing that against the greater public good of preventing the spread and mutation of avian flu.

Supporters of Universal Ostrich, the farm facing the cull, have gathered in Edgewood, B.C. to protest the decision and try to stop it from being carried out. The case has garnered attention from various groups who believe the cull order is government overreach. Even U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy expressed his concerns about the cull during a radio interview.

The owners of Universal Ostrich have urged supporters to surround the farm and prevent the cull from taking place. They argue that the surviving birds have developed herd immunity to the virus and should be retested before any decision is made to euthanize them. They believe that the birds could be valuable for research purposes and should be allowed to live.

However, the CFIA maintains that culling all animals in domestic flocks where avian flu is detected is necessary to contain the disease and protect public and animal health. The agency emphasized that allowing infected poultry flocks to remain alive could increase the risk of mutation and spread of the virus, posing a threat to both animals and humans.

Animal rights groups and supporters of Universal Ostrich have called on the federal government to reconsider the cull and explore alternative options for managing the outbreak. They argue that the birds should not have to pay the ultimate price for the failures of the system.

In the court ruling, Justice Russell Zinn emphasized that it is the responsibility of technical bodies like the CFIA to make decisions on complex, expertise-driven matters such as disease management. The ruling detailed the steps taken in ordering the cull, including inspections, testing, and considerations for exemptions.

The CFIA’s decision-making is guided by public health and economic factors, including Canada’s ability to participate in international trade. The agency provides financial compensation to those affected by cull orders as a way to mitigate the economic impact on farmers.

As the cull of the ostrich flock in southwest B.C. moves forward, supporters of Universal Ostrich continue to advocate for the lives of the birds and seek alternative solutions to managing the avian flu outbreak. The case highlights the complex and challenging decisions faced by authorities in balancing public health, economic interests, and animal welfare in the face of disease outbreaks.