Farm Family Challenges Avian Flu Cull Directive
In a heated dispute in British Columbia's interior, the family operating Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood is resisting a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) order to cull approximately 400 ostriches due to an avian flu outbreak. The conflict escalated after two birds tested positive for the virus in December 2024, prompting the CFIA to mandate the destruction of the entire flock to prevent further spread. Katie Pasitney, whose parents own the farm, has publicly criticized the decision, claiming during a Facebook Live stream on June 1 that the cull is based on misinformation and exaggerated human health risks.
Pasitney argued that the CFIA's assessment lacks scientific grounding, emphasizing that the strain detected at their farm is a unique mutation not observed elsewhere in Canada. The family is urging the agency to allow independent testing of the birds to avoid what they call 'unnecessary destruction.' This standoff has drawn attention to broader concerns about how avian flu outbreaks are managed and the impact on small-scale farmers who rely on their livestock for livelihood.
CFIA Stands Firm Amid Legal and Public Pressure
The CFIA has defended its position, stating that the unique mutation of avian flu at Universal Ostrich Farm poses a potential risk to both animal and human health, necessitating strict containment measures. On May 31, the agency also announced a $20,000 fine against the farm for failing to cooperate with quarantine and cull directives, further intensifying the dispute. Despite the farm's plea for independent testing, the CFIA maintains that its protocols are based on established guidelines to protect Canada's poultry industry.
The Pasitney family is considering legal action to challenge the cull order, with discussions of a potential court battle gaining traction. They've also floated the idea of relocating their birds to the United States as a last resort to save their flock. This situation has garnered international attention, with figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz voicing support for the farm's fight against the CFIA's measures.
Community and Global Support Amplify the Fight
Public sentiment, as reflected in various posts on social media platforms like X, shows a mix of support for Universal Ostrich Farm and concern over the broader implications of avian flu management. The farm's plight has resonated with many who question the balance between public health safety and the rights of individual farmers. An international outcry earlier this year helped secure a 30-day injunction for judicial review of the cull order, originally set for February 1, pushing it to March 1.
As the battle continues, the Edgewood community remains divided, with some advocating for stricter adherence to health protocols while others rally behind the Pasitney family. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar outbreaks are handled in Canada, potentially influencing policies on animal culls and farmer rights in the face of infectious diseases.