🔗 Share this article Government Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Strategy to Slaughter 400 Ostriches Canada’s food safety authority revealed it intends to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch following the highest judicial body refused to halt the disputed cull. Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling Thursday’s ruling removed any judicial obstacle to commencing the killings. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated close to the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of avian influenza. Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation. Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness. On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it weighed whether to hear the case. Political and Public Responses The escalating dispute over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated protesters to gather at the farm, with many expressing their frustration on social media. The situation has also entered Canada’s federal politics. Earlier this fall, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked twice by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators. The Tory leader has avoided making specific comments on the issue, despite many within his political group protesting against the cull. He informed reporters the issue had been “mismanaged from the very beginning” but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name. International Involvement and Proposals Several high-profile individuals from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada. The American health chief proposed to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in Florida. An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its cull order. Health and Ethical Debates The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was following a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a step consistent with wider guidance from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to conduct further testing on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus. The farm owners claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and reliability of testing on the birds. Ranch Spokesperson Reaction On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the media that the authority was killing birds in good health. “They are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated. A partner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”. Judicial and Authority Findings A federal court, however, found that permitting the ostriches to remain alive could lead to the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to people. The authority has not said when it expects to begin slaughtering the birds. Culling Methods A 2016 agency manual, obtained under freedom of information laws, says the birds 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 chambers or break the birds’ necks. Employees of the organization can only use firearms on the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on the premises. Recent Updates According to reports, soon after the judicial decision, inspection agents started installing more equipment and bright lights around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.