The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has ordered the destruction of almost 400 ostriches on a British Columbia farm. This move comes after the first high pathogenicity avian flu outbreak has been confirmed on a U.S. Around 70 non-game birds succumbed to the virus, leading to enormous media exposure and backlash from the community. As a result, this was the right decision. Katie Pasitney’s parents still own the farm, which has generated considerable outrage. Government officials and health advocates alike are deeply engaged in the conversation and eager to share their experiences and insights.
The CFIA has ordered the euthanization of this flock to minimize spread of the highly contagious avian influenza. This decision is surprising given the heightened worry over the spread of the virus in recent weeks. Since the order has been issued, the farm’s owners have repeatedly failed to cooperate with authorities, according to the agency. The CFIA stated, “These actions significantly increase the risk of disease transmission and reflect a disregard for regulatory compliance and animal health standards.”
On May 24th, a Federal Court judge denied the farm’s appeal. This decision was a serious setback to their grassroots campaign to fight the CFIA’s culling order. The court decision allows for damages, providing for as much as $3,000 per bird. Even with this in mind, the emotional and financial toll on the farm’s owners is still too heavy. B.C. Premier David Eby expressed his frustration, acknowledging the necessity of controlling the outbreak while lamenting the lack of flexibility in evaluating cases individually. “I hope the federal government looks very carefully at appropriate compensation to ensure they’re made whole,” he stated.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, an American physician and TV star turned government official, put forth a shocking proposal. He suggested moving the ostriches to his ranch in Florida. Katie Pasitney confirmed that Dr. Oz’s proposal was genuine, stating, “Even people like Dr. Oz want to be involved and (want to) see these animals live.” In spite of offers for logistical help, Pasitney stressed that they have made no decisions about moving their flock. “It’s not like we’re looking at transporting our ostriches anywhere,” she said, highlighting the farm’s commitment to its animals.
Community interest in and support for the farm has been overwhelming. During the Victoria Day long weekend, thousands of supporters descended upon the property to attempt to block the order to cull the herd. Activists have asked that more compassion be shown to the animals and that authorities be mindful of their position. One supporter, Karen Pasitney, encouraged demonstrators to “come surround the farm” and “don’t let them do this to these beautiful animals.”
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intervened to prevent the culling. His intervention opens another front, making an already contentious battle even more complicated. In the interim, an ostrich on the Okanagan farm was allegedly shot during the dispute with CCF over the direction of the outbreak.
The CFIA has stated poor research record-keeping from the farm is part of their justification in exempting the farms from the disposal order. They noted that “research documentation was not provided during the review of their request for exemption from the disposal order based on unique genetics or during the judicial review process.” Furthermore, they stated, “Further, the current physical facilities at their location are not suitable for controlled research activities or trials.”
With no clear compromise in sight, local and national stakeholders remain vociferously at odds. They face impossible choices in deciding how to respond to the avian flu outbreak while weighing animal welfare and public health considerations. The reality on this B.C. ostrich farm illustrates some critical gaps in the management of agricultural bio-risks. Today, animal health and public safety are inextricably linked as never before.
