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Canada’s food inspection agency has announced it plans to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a ranch after the highest judicial body declined to block the controversial eradication.

Judicial Obstacles Removed by Court Ruling

Thursday’s ruling removed all legal impediment to commencing the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to cull close to 400 ostriches, amid fears of an spread of H5N1 avian flu.

Earlier this week, officials seized control of the business.

Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the emergence of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an interim stay on the cull order as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Political and Societal Responses

The escalating dispute over the ostriches – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their frustration on online platforms.

The case has also entered Canada’s federal politics.

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has avoided making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

Cross-Border Interest and Offers

A number of prominent figures from the US have petitioned Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

An US billionaire has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its cull order.

Scientific and Moral Debates

The Canadian federal government stated the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a move in line with broader advice from global health organizations.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to perform additional tests on the animals to confirm they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or recovered, the group has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the birds.

Ranch Representative Reaction

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the press that the agency was killing birds in good health.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured eons, but they won’t endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she stated.

A partner said he was concerned that there is no justice left”.

Judicial and Authority Decisions

A federal court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the ostriches to stay alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the livestock sector – or to humans.

The authority has not announced at what time it plans to begin slaughtering the birds.

Culling Procedures

An older guideline document, acquired under public access laws, says ostriches can be killed by different means, the preferred being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Personnel can also use gas chambers or break the birds’ necks.

Members of the agency can only shoot the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site.

Latest Updates

According to reports, shortly after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the back of the bird enclosure.