Supreme Court of Canada shares date on decision to hear Ostrich cull case

Supreme Court of Canada to Decide on Ostrich Cull Case

The Supreme Court of Canada will determine next week whether it will hear a high-profile appeal from British Columbia's Interior involving Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) had ordered a cull in December 2024 after an outbreak of avian flu affected the farm’s flock. According to the agency, the virus led to the deaths of 69 birds, and tests on two of the deceased ostriches confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain.

“The remaining ostriches show no signs of illness and should not be destroyed,” the farm’s owners stated, arguing for further testing of the surviving birds.

The CFIA maintains that even birds appearing healthy might still transmit the virus or its mutations, justifying the cull to prevent further spread.

Earlier, the Supreme Court issued a temporary stay on the cull order and instructed the CFIA to take custody of the birds until a final decision is made on whether to proceed with the hearing.

Background

The CFIA cull order was initiated after confirmation of H5N1 flu in two ostriches.
The farm’s legal challenge has already failed in lower courts.
The court’s announcement is expected next Thursday.

Author’s summary: The Supreme Court of Canada will soon decide if it will hear the case of a B.C. ostrich farm disputing a CFIA cull order following an avian flu outbreak.

CityNews Vancouver — 2025-11-01

Supreme Court of Canada to Decide on Ostrich Cull Case

Background

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