A British Columbia ostrich farm is facing a grim reality as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has ordered the culling of its entire herd of 400 birds due to the spread of the highly pathogenic avian flu (H5N1 variant). This measure comes as part of a broader impact that avian flu is having across Canada, where over 15 million domestic birds have been affected. The order requires that all birds at Universal Ostrich be removed by February 1, raising questions about the implications for the farm and the broader poultry industry.
The confirmation of avian flu at the ostrich farm marked a significant moment, as it is the first time CFIA has detected the virus in Canadian ostriches since the outbreak began in December 2021. The CFIA's classification of the ostriches as poultry aligns with guidelines from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), necessitating strict measures to contain the virus.
Since early December, when the disease was first identified, Universal Ostrich has implemented rigorous quarantine protocols. Despite these efforts, approximately 9% of the birds have already succumbed to the illness. The penalty for failing to comply with the cull order remains unclear, leaving farm owner Katie Pasitney exploring her options for preserving her herd.
The CFIA assessed that the ostriches did not meet criteria to be classified as a breed with "rare and valuable poultry genetics." This decision has sparked concern among experts and stakeholders who emphasize the importance of the genetic diversity present in Pasitney's flock.
J. Scott Weese, a professor at the Ontario Veterinary College, explained that decisions about culling are often based on a cost-benefit analysis. He noted that culling is more justified when there is widespread infection and significant risk to public health.
"In general, culling makes more sense when there's widespread infection, risk to people around the animals, limited other exposure risk, where disease is more severe and where there's less value — economic, conservation, human-animal bond — of the animals." – J. Scott Weese
Pasitney has voiced her frustration and is requesting an extension to the cull deadline beyond February 1. She argues that the CFIA’s approach overlooks the potential for studying the genetic resilience of her birds against avian flu.
"We have 35-year-old birds here with genetics and DNA we'll never get back," – Katie Pasitney
Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, a professor at the University of Montreal's veterinary school, emphasized that ostriches are just as susceptible to avian flu as other avian species. He pointed out that controlling the virus is crucial for preventing its spread among bird populations.
"We try to extinguish the fire — so essentially the virus can't feed and replicate if it has other birds around," – Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt
The CFIA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring robust processes are in place, including genomic testing, to actively select and breed for desirable traits in poultry. This is seen as essential for maintaining genetic value within Canada’s poultry industry.
"Robust processes must be in place (ex. genomic testing) to actively select and breed for specific desirable traits, with subsequent evidence that this genetic value is critical to the Canadian poultry industry," – CFIA
While ostriches may pose little risk to humans and are not intended for meat production, the implications of this culling extend beyond individual farms. The decision reflects ongoing challenges in managing animal disease outbreaks while balancing industry needs and animal welfare.
