🔗 Share this article Authorities Proceeds with Full Eradication Strategy to Slaughter 400 Ostriches Canada’s food inspection agency stated it aims to begin a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the highest judicial body refused to halt the contentious slaughter. Judicial Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision Thursday’s ruling removed any judicial obstacle to beginning the slaughter. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid concerns of an outbreak of bird flu. Earlier this week, authorities took over of the business. Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness. On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter. Political and Public Reactions The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the property, with many expressing their frustration on online platforms. The case has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics. In early October, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators. The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull. He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. Cross-Border Involvement and Proposals A number of high-profile individuals from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada. The US health secretary proposed to relocate the ostriches to his property in Florida. An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its eradication directive. Scientific and Ethical Debates The national authorities said the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform further testing on the animals to verify they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds seeming in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and reliability of the tests on the ostriches. Ranch Spokesperson Response On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the agency was killing healthy birds. “They are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they will not endure the government agency,” she said. A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”. Judicial and Authority Findings A national court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could result in the spread of bird flu to different species, the livestock sector – or to people. The authority has not said at what time it expects to begin culling the ostriches. Culling Procedures An older agency manual, acquired under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be killed by various methods, the preferred being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by sitting on its back, another to secure the head, and a third to administer the injection. Staff can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks. Members of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on site. Latest Developments As per media sources, shortly after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.