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Ostrich Farm Fined $10K for Avian Flu Cover-Up
18 Jan
Summary
- Farm fined $10,000 for failing to report sick birds.
- Tribunal found the ostrich farm negligent in its reporting duties.
- Avian flu outbreak led to the culling of over 300 birds.
The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has upheld a $10,000 fine against Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued the fine for allegedly violating the Health of Animals Act by not reporting sick birds in December 2024. This failure occurred before the confirmation of an avian influenza outbreak that ultimately led to the culling of over 300 ostriches.
The tribunal chair, Emily Crocco, found the farm negligent, stating that despite the owners' purported expertise in ostrich health, they failed to adhere to the law. The decision noted that an anonymous caller alerted the CFIA, not the farm owners, to the birds' condition. The farm argued they believed it was a non-reportable disease and had difficulty reaching veterinarians.
However, Crocco highlighted the existence of a "Sick Bird Line" that the farm could have used to report potential disease signs. The symptoms observed, including high mortality in younger birds, watery eyes, and lethargy, are consistent with avian flu. Test results confirmed the virus on December 31, 2024, shortly before the cull order was issued.
