Ostrich Cull in B.C. Concludes After Supreme Court Dismisses Final Appeal

A controversial mass culling of over 300 ostriches at a farm in British Columbia has been completed. The operation was carried out by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to contain an avian flu outbreak. It followed a year of legal battles and intense public protest.

The CFIA confirmed the cull took place at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood. The action was deemed necessary after the farm’s legal appeals were dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Why the Canadian Government Ordered the Cull

The CFIA first detected the H5N1 avian influenza virus on the farm in late 2024. The highly pathogenic virus had already killed 69 birds on the property. According to the National Post, the agency’s primary concern was protecting Canada’s $6.8 billion poultry industry.

The CFIA follows a strict “stamping out” policy for such outbreaks. This policy mandates the complete depopulation of infected or exposed animals to prevent further spread. The agency stated this was the most humane and effective option available.

A Long Legal and Public Battle

The farm’s owners, Karen Espersen and Katie Pasitney, fought the order through multiple courts. They argued their remaining birds were healthy and proposed alternative solutions like quarantine. Their legal challenges ultimately failed at the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal levels.

The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed their final appeal on November 6, 2025. This ruling gave the CFIA the final legal authorization to proceed with the culling operation. According to the BBC, the courts found the CFIA acted reasonably.

The situation attracted high-profile international attention. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and billionaire John Catsimatidis publicly supported the ostriches. They offered to adopt the flock or fund research into their potential immunity.

Broader Implications and Community Impact

The event became a flashpoint for debates on government authority and animal welfare. It drew support from various groups, including some anti-mandate activists. For them, the cull symbolized government overreach in public health matters.

Canadian officials maintained a firm stance. Justice Minister Sean Fraser supported the court’s decision. He emphasized the importance of protecting public health and the food supply.

On the ground, the atmosphere was tense. Supporters gathered at the farm, protesting as the operation began. The RCMP was deployed to secure the area and ensure the CFIA could work without obstruction.

The B.C. ostrich cull highlights the difficult balance between disease control and individual rights. The CFIA acted on established policy to safeguard a major industry. Yet the strong public reaction shows the deep emotions involved in such decisions.

Thought you’d like to know

Why couldn’t the ostriches be saved with a vaccine?

Vaccines for avian influenza in ostriches are not widely approved or available in Canada. The CFIA’s established disease control protocol for such a highly contagious virus prioritizes rapid depopulation to prevent a wider epidemic.

What happened after the ostriches were culled?

The CFIA moved into the disposal phase. This involves safely removing and disposing of the carcasses to prevent any environmental contamination and eliminate the final risk of disease spread.

Did any officials speak out against the cull?

Elected Canadian officials largely supported the CFIA’s action. The international figures who advocated for the birds, like RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz, did not have jurisdiction over the Canadian government’s decision.

What is the “stamping out” policy?

It is a standard international approach to managing serious animal diseases. The goal is to completely eradicate the pathogen from an affected premises by removing all susceptible animals, thereby protecting the wider industry.

How did the farm owners react?

The owners expressed profound grief and anger. In social media posts, they decried the government’s action, stating they believed their healthy birds could have been saved through other means.