Authorities Pushes On with Full Eradication Plan to Slaughter 400 Flightless Birds

The nation’s food safety authority has announced it plans to start a total removal of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the highest judicial body refused to block the controversial slaughter.

Judicial Impediments Cleared by Court Ruling

The recent judicial decision removed any judicial obstacle to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in the month of May to cull nearly 400 birds, amid fears of an spread of bird flu.

Earlier this week, officials seized control of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have already died after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

Midweek, the nation’s top court granted an interim stay on the cull order as it considered whether to take up the matter.

Political and Societal Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the Conservative leader, the Tory leader, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he supported the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told the press the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent figures from the US have lobbied authorities in Canada.

The American health chief offered to move the birds to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to rescind its eradication directive.

Health and Ethical Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was following a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from global health organizations.

However, animal rights organizations have called on the agency to perform further testing on the animals to verify they are infected.

The ranch operators said that because the last bird flu death happened on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the flock has acquired at least some level of immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and reliability of the tests on the birds.

Farm Representative Response

Recently, the ranch representative, told the press that the authority was killing healthy birds.

“They are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she stated.

A co-owner expressed he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no justice left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A national court, however, found that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.

The authority has not announced when it expects to start culling the birds.

Culling Methods

An older agency manual, obtained under public access laws, states ostriches can be killed by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by sitting on its back, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the agency can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises.

Latest Developments

According to media sources, soon after the court ruling, inspection agents started installing additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.