🔗 Share this article Authorities Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Plan to Cull 400 Ostriches Canada’s food safety authority stated it aims to start a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the country’s top court declined to stop the contentious eradication. Legal Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision Thursday’s ruling eliminated any judicial obstacle to beginning the killings. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, amid concerns of an spread of H5N1 avian flu. Recently, authorities took over of the operation. Sixty-nine birds have already died after the emergence of a flu-like illness. On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case. Governmental and Public Responses The increasing controversy over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their anger on social media. The case has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere. Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was questioned twice by journalists whether he backed protesters. The Conservative figure has avoided making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the slaughter. He informed the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. International Involvement and Offers A number of prominent individuals from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials. The US health secretary offered to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State. An American wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order. Health and Ethical Debates The Canadian federal government said the relevant agency was adhering to a “stamping out” policy in order to limit the spread of avian flu, a move consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform additional tests on the birds to verify they are infected. The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or healed, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the ostriches. Ranch Representative Response Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the authority was killing birds in good health. “They are prehistoric animals that have survived millions of years, but they will not survive the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated. A partner expressed he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”. Court and Agency Findings A national court, on the other hand, determined that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the livestock sector – or to people. The agency has not said at what time it plans to begin culling the ostriches. Eradication Methods A 2016 agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be killed by different means, the preferred being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, one to hold the head, and a third to administer the injection. Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation. Members of the agency can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site. Latest Developments As per media sources, soon after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the ostrich pen.