Ottawa, ON – The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed a final appeal from a British Columbia ostrich farm seeking to prevent the destruction of its flock following an avian flu outbreak.
The Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., was ordered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to cull its birds after the H5N1 avian influenza virus was detected in December 2024. The nation’s highest court upheld the CFIA’s authority and response measures, ruling that the agency’s stamping-out policy and disposal orders were lawful and supported by scientific evidence.
According to the CFIA, the farm failed to report early signs of illness and bird deaths, a delay that increased the risk of disease spread. The Supreme Court’s decision now allows the agency to proceed with depopulation under the federal Health of Animals Act, which mandates swift containment of infectious animal diseases.
The case drew international attention after U.S. billionaire John Catsimatidis financially backed the farm’s legal challenge. However, with all appeals now dismissed, the CFIA’s original orders stand, and the culling process is expected to move forward immediately.
The CFIA reiterated its commitment to protecting both animal health and Canada’s agricultural industry, emphasizing that strict disease control measures remain essential to prevent further outbreaks.