More than 300 Ostriches shot dead by firing squad on Canadian farm after bird flu allegations

Late Thursday evening in Edgewood, British Columbia, over 300 ostriches were executed by a firing squad at Universal Ostrich Farms, marking the end of a tense months-long conflict. The mass cull followed a federal order issued after an avian influenza outbreak on the farm last winter, which initially killed 69 ostriches. Despite pleas from prominent figures like US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and billionaire John Catsimatidis to halt the slaughter, the Canadian authorities remained firm, leading to the loss of the entire flock. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) mandated the culling to prevent further spread of the highly contagious H5N1 avian flu virus. However, farm representatives have maintained that the remaining ostriches appeared healthy, arguing against the necessity of such drastic measures. Kennedy and Catsimatidis had campaigned vigorously for the birds’ survival, emphasizing that the ostriches could provide valuable insights into natural immunity against the virus. In a letter to CFIA dated May 23, Kennedy—who himself owns a pet emu—highlighted the potential long-term benefits of preserving the birds. Co-signed by National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya and FDA head Martin Makary, the letter warned that indiscriminately destroying entire flocks could lead to the irrevocable loss of genetic material crucial for understanding risk factors tied to H5N1 mortality. They argued that such genetic stock might be key in developing future agricultural resilience against avian diseases. On the day of the culling, CFIA personnel arrived at the farm around 6 p.m. clad in protective gear. Armed with equipment, they entered the ostrich pens as bystanders gathered outside, some praying and others vocally protesting the mass killing. The Supreme Court of Canada had earlier declined to intervene, rejecting efforts to block the federal order. The decision was seen by some as a rebuff to the United States, which had hoped to retain the birds for research purposes. This unfortunate event underscores the challenges faced when balancing public health concerns with animal welfare and scientific potential. The outbreak last winter had already taken a toll, but the complete elimination of the flock raises questions about future approaches to managing zoonotic diseases and preserving valuable genetic resources within farmed wildlife populations.