🔗 Share this article Government Proceeds with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Cull 400 Ostriches Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to start a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm after the highest judicial body declined to halt the controversial eradication. Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling On Thursday eliminated all legal barrier to starting the culling. Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the community of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to cull nearly 400 birds, due to concerns of an spread of H5N1 avian flu. Just days ago, officials seized control of the business. Nearly seventy birds have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness. Midweek, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to take up the matter. Political and Public Reactions The growing row over the ostriches – and a lingering distrust of government – have inspired demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms. The situation has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere. Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was asked twice by reporters whether he supported protesters. The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the cull. He told the press the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. International Involvement and Proposals A number of high-profile figures from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada. The American health chief proposed to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in Florida. An American billionaire has also pleaded with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order. Health and Moral Arguments The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a move consistent with wider guidance from international health bodies. However, animal rights organizations have called on the authority to conduct further testing on the animals to confirm they are infected. The farm owners claimed that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the ostriches. Farm Spokesperson Reaction On Thursday, the farm’s spokesperson, informed the media that the agency was killing healthy birds. “They are ancient creatures that have survived millions of years, but they will not survive the government agency,” she said. A co-owner said he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”. Judicial and Agency Findings A federal court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans. The authority has not said when it expects to start culling the ostriches. Culling Methods An older guideline document, obtained under public access laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which requires multiple individuals: one person to restrain the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection. Staff can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation. Employees of the agency can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site. Recent Developments As per reports, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.