An opinion piece argues in favor of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) order to cull 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., following an H5N1 avian flu outbreak. Despite opposition from animal-rights activists, Indigenous leaders, politicians, and high-profile figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, the author supports the "stamp out" policy based on World Organization for Animal Health guidelines. This policy aims to prevent the virus's spread to humans and protect Canada's $6.8 billion poultry industry, which has already seen 14.5 million birds affected since 2022. The author acknowledges the emotional toll on farm owners but stresses the public health and economic necessity of the cull.
Opinion: Canada wants to kill 400 ostriches. Sadly, it’s the right thing to do
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️An opinion piece argues in favor of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) order to cull 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., following an H5N1 avian flu outbreak. Despite opposition from animal-rights activists, Indigenous leaders, politicians, and high-profile figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, the author supports the "stamp out" policy based on World Organization for Animal Health guidelines. This policy aims to prevent the virus's spread to humans and protect Canada's $6.8 billion poultry industry, which has already seen 14.5 million birds affected since 2022. The author acknowledges the emotional toll on farm owners but stresses the public health and economic necessity of the cull.
Trending- 1 2022: 14.5 million birds affected by H5N1 in Canada since this year. 8.7 million in B.C.
- 2 November of last year (2024): B.C. Ministry of Health reported first human case of bird flu.
- 3 Late last year (2024): US paid price for inconsistent "stamp out" approach.
- 4 December 31 of last year (2024): CFIA declared H5N1 outbreak at Universal Ostrich Farms. 69 birds died.
- 5 January of this year (2025): CFIA ordered 400 ostriches to be destroyed.
- 6 February 1 (2025): Scheduled destruction date.
- 7 Earlier this month (May 2025): Federal Court judge denied two judicial reviews. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called CFIA president.
- 69 ostriches died from avian flu.
- 400 ostriches ordered to be culled.
- Psychological, emotional, and financial toll on farm owners.
- Risk of H5N1 spread to humans (one case reported in B.C.).
- Threat to Canada's $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry.
- 14.5 million birds affected in Canada since 2022 (8.7 million in B.C.).
- US paid price for inconsistent "stamp out" approach.
What: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the culling of 400 ostriches at a B.C. farm due to an H5N1 avian flu outbreak, sparking debate and opposition.
When: December 31 of last year (2024) (CFIA declared H5N1 outbreak). January of this year (2025) (CFIA ordered cull). February 1 (2025) (scheduled destruction date). Earlier this month (May 2025) (Federal Court judge denied judicial reviews, RFK Jr. call with CFIA president). Article published May 30, 2025.
Where: Edgewood, British Columbia, Canada (Universal Ostrich Farms). North America (virus spread to cattle). Florida, United States (Dr. Oz's ranch).
Why: To prevent the spread of the H5N1 avian flu virus to other animals and humans, and to protect Canada's poultry industry, following international guidelines for disease control.
How: CFIA, following World Organization for Animal Health guidelines, ordered the depopulation of the infected flock. The farm owners are appealing the decision through the Federal Court.