The situation has calmed somewhat around the Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. While some ostriches remain in the field, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) agents have paused their efforts to round up the birds for now.
Observers outside the farm report that the corral is enclosed by a tall wall of straw bales, limiting visibility of ongoing activities. Supporters of the ostriches continue to gather nearby, though their chants have lessened in intensity.
The CFIA has announced its intention to euthanize the birds, but the timing and whether any have already been culled remain unclear.
Addressing supporters, Katie Pasitney, spokesperson for Universal Ostrich, stated that despite the impending cull, their fight against the CFIA’s “stamping-out” policy will persist. This policy mandates the destruction of every bird in an infected flock.
"They will pay for everything they’ve done here," Pasitney declared. "We will hold you accountable."
With limited legal recourse following the court's decision, the farm considers its mission to advocate for policy change at the CFIA.
Author’s summary: Universal Ostrich farm will continue to fight CFIA’s avian flu policy despite a court ruling clearing the way for culling hundreds of ostriches in B.C.