Supreme Court of Canada to Decide on Ostrich Cull Case
The Supreme Court of Canada will announce next Thursday whether it will hear a significant case from British Columbia's Interior involving Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood.
Background of the Case
Last December, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the cull of ostriches at the farm following an avian flu outbreak that resulted in the death of 69 birds.
Tests conducted on two deceased birds confirmed they were positive for the H5N1 flu strain. The farm owners have requested testing of the surviving ostriches, arguing that these birds show no signs of illness and should not be culled.
Positions of Both Parties
- Farm owners: The remaining ostriches appear healthy and should not be killed.
- CFIA: Healthy-looking ostriches can still carry and transmit the virus, including new mutations.
Current Legal Status
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted the culling order and instructed the CFIA to maintain custody of the birds until the court decides whether to take on the case after the farm owners lost multiple lower court rulings.
“The Supreme Court of Canada will make a decision next week about whether it will hear a high-profile case out of B.C’s Interior.”
By The Canadian Press and Dean Recksiedler, October 31, 2025
Author’s Summary
The Supreme Court's upcoming decision will determine if Universal Ostrich Farms can challenge the mandated cull ordered by the CFIA after an H5N1 avian flu outbreak.