What happened at the Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency culled 314 ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu.

How did the owners of the Universal Ostrich Farms respond to the cull order?

The owners of the Universal Ostrich Farms fought the cull order for over 10 months before the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear their appeal.

What is the current status of the Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia?

The Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia remains under quarantine and must undergo cleaning, disinfection, and a potential "fallow period" under CFIA oversight before it can resume operations.

Home / Environment / Avian Flu Outbreak Prompts Culling of 314 Ostriches in British Columbia

Avian Flu Outbreak Prompts Culling of 314 Ostriches in British Columbia

14 Nov

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Summary

Canadian agency culled 314 ostriches at B.C. farm due to avian flu outbreak
Farm remains under quarantine, requires cleaning and disinfection before reopening
Owners fought cull order for over 10 months before Supreme Court refused appeal

On November 14, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that it has completed its "active operations" at the British Columbia ostrich farm where a flock of 314 ostriches was culled due to an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu.

The agency states that the carcasses of the ostriches, as well as eggs and other material, were disposed of through "deep burial" at a B.C. landfill. The farm, Universal Ostrich Farms near Edgewood, B.C., remains under quarantine, and permission is required to enter areas subject to biocontainment measures.

The CFIA explains that any premises infected with highly pathogenic avian flu must follow a standardized process to resume operations, including cleaning, disinfection, and a potential "fallow period" under CFIA oversight. The farm has been provided with the necessary documentation, and the agency notes that any formal request for compensation over the loss of the flock would be reviewed in accordance with relevant regulations.

The cull of the ostriches was a contentious issue, as the farm's owners had fought the order for more than 10 months before the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear their appeal. The daughter of one of the farm's co-owners described the shooting of the ostriches as "inhumane" and the gunfire that went on for hours as "overwhelming."

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