From flu outbreak to 'Ostrichfest' to high court, how B.C. ostrich cull saga unfolded

Ostrich Cull Saga in British Columbia

Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, has been fighting for over 10 months against a cull order issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which would mean the death of hundreds of ostriches.

Supreme Court Decision

On Thursday morning, November 6, 2025, the Supreme Court of Canada announced it would not hear the farm's final appeal, allowing the cull to move forward.

Key Events in the Battle

Early December 2024: The farm experiences an outbreak of "flu-like" symptoms among ostriches, resulting in the death of 25 to 30 birds over three weeks.
December 28: The CFIA intervenes after receiving an anonymous tip about the deaths, which had not been previously reported, and imposes a verbal quarantine order.
December 31: Tests on two carcasses confirm the presence of H5 avian influenza, specifically H5N1. The CFIA immediately issues a cull order, setting February 1, 2025, as the deadline to dispose of all affected birds.
February 4–9, 2025: The farm requests an exemption from the cull, arguing that the ostriches possess “rare and valuable genetics” worth preserving.
February 10, 2025: The CFIA denies the exemption request.

“Flu-like symptoms occurred among the ostriches, killing 25 to 30 in a three-week period.”

“The ostriches have rare and valuable genetics worthy of preservation.”

The case highlights the tension between disease control measures and the protection of unique animal genetics within Canada’s agricultural sector.

Author's summary: The prolonged legal battle over ostrich culling in B.C. ended with the Supreme Court allowing the cull amid concerns over avian flu and genetics preservation.

CityNews Halifax — 2025-11-06

Ostrich Cull Saga in British Columbia

Supreme Court Decision

Key Events in the Battle

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