🔗 Share this article Authorities Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Strategy to Cull 400 Ostriches The nation’s food safety authority stated it aims to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the highest judicial body refused to stop the disputed slaughter. Legal Obstacles Removed by Court Ruling Thursday’s ruling removed any judicial obstacle to beginning the slaughter. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was initially directed in the month of May to cull nearly 400 birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of bird flu. Recently, authorities took over of the operation. Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness. On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court granted an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to take up the matter. Governmental and Societal Reactions The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media. The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere. Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked twice by reporters whether he supported protesters. The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group protesting against the cull. He informed reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”. International Involvement and Proposals A number of prominent individuals from the United States have lobbied authorities in Canada. The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State. An American billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order. Scientific and Ethical Arguments The national authorities stated the food inspection agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with broader advice from international health bodies. However, animal rights organizations have urged the authority to perform additional tests on the animals to verify they are infected. The ranch operators claimed that because the most recent fatality happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus. They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and reliability of the tests on the ostriches. Farm Spokesperson Response Recently, the ranch representative, informed the press that the authority was killing healthy birds. “They are prehistoric animals that have endured millions of years, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she said. A partner expressed he was concerned that there is no justice left”. Court and Authority Findings A federal court, however, found that permitting the birds to stay alive could lead to the spread of bird flu to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans. The authority has not said at what time it plans to begin culling the ostriches. Culling Methods An older agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be killed by various methods, the recommended being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection. Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation. Members of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises. Recent Updates According to media sources, soon after the court ruling, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.