An ostrich farm located in Edgewood, B.C., known as Universal Ostrich Farm, has recently gained a temporary reprieve from a federal order to cull nearly 400 birds amid a serious avian flu outbreak. The farm has been embroiled in a legal battle with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) following the identification of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in its flock. On June 20, 2025, the Hon. Justice Roussel of the Federal Court of Appeal issued a stay halting the CFIA’s disposal order, allowing the farm to appeal a prior ruling that rejected its application for a judicial review. This makes it one of the critical moments for the farm, as it claims to be one of the few with a recovered flock in Canada.
Katie Pasitney, daughter of the farm’s owners, expressed relief at the court’s decision, highlighting its significance for them. She argued that preventing the culling of their ostriches not only protects their livelihood but also contributes positively to the larger agricultural ecosystem in Canada. She emphasized the importance of having healthy birds on the farm, noting the potential benefits they could bring to both scientific research and the farming community. The farm’s situation has been compounded by CFIA regulations related to handling cases of avian flu, a disease that threatens bird populations and by extension, the poultry industry.
The CFIA has maintained that its directive to cull the birds is scientifically justified, noting the presence of the H5N1 virus, which was confirmed via genome sequencing that identified a novel viral strain unique to the farm. The agency insists its culling strategy aligns with global health measures to contain outbreaks of HPAI, emphasizing the necessity of rapid depopulation in preventing further spread. CFIA officials argue that the existing testing protocols are robust enough and that additional tests would be redundant, underscoring the importance of public health protection and the economic stakes involved in Canada’s poultry export industry.
Pasitney has called for further independent testing to prove the flock’s safety, asserting that the ostriches have developed some herd immunity. However, her requests have been denied by the Federal Court of Appeal, pushing the farm to advocate for its right to conduct its assessments. The CFIA’s refusal raises questions about transparency and the validity of the agency’s assessment criteria, which Pasitney argues need further scrutiny. The ongoing tension between the farm and CFIA reflects broader concerns within the agricultural sector about management practices during health crises.
In addition to the culling order, Universal Ostrich Farm has faced compliance issues with CFIA quarantine measures as outlined under the Health of Animals Act. The agency has warned that any further non-compliance could result in additional regulatory action, complicating the farm’s battle to maintain its operations amid the pandemic. Furthermore, the farm is also contesting $20,000 in federal fines related to alleged violations, a financial burden that adds another layer of complexity to their situation. The challenges faced by the farm have sparked discussions among other farmers and stakeholders about industry standards and regulatory practices.
Overall, the developments at Universal Ostrich Farm highlight the delicate balance between public health, agricultural sustainability, and regulatory practices in dealing with zoonotic diseases. As the farm’s appeal is set to proceed swiftly, the outcome could set significant precedents for future cases involving avian influenza and similar outbreaks. Pasitney emphasized the importance of advocacy and collaboration among farmers to foster a supportive agricultural environment, shedding light on the need for better strategies and communication within the sector as they navigate these ongoing challenges.
