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The Supreme Court ostrich farm ruling has ended a long legal fight in British Columbia. The court supported the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in ordering the cull of infected ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood.
Judges concluded that the Stamping-Out Policy, Notice to Dispose, and Exemption Denial were consistent with Canadian law. Their decision confirmed that CFIA acted responsibly to contain the outbreak.
CFIA to Proceed with Avian Flu Measures
The CFIA said it will now complete culling and disposal operations under the Health of Animals Act. With the Supreme Court ostrich farm ruling, officials can enforce the avian flu containment plan without delay.
According to the agency, the farm failed to report early deaths among birds. Moreover, CFIA stressed that its decisions follow scientific evidence and global standards. These measures aim to stop the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Farm Owners Express Anger and Grief
The decision devastated the farm’s owners. On Facebook, Katie Pasitney, daughter of the co-owner, called the ruling “a moment of unbearable pain.”
“She’s losing everything she built over 35 years,” she said, as her mother wept behind her.
American billionaire John Catsimatidis, who funded the farm’s defense, condemned the verdict. He said the case exposes unfair government actions against small farmers.
Legal Process and Final Decision
The legal dispute began on December 31, 2024, when two ostriches tested positive for H5N1 avian flu. CFIA then issued a Notice to Dispose, ordering all birds to be culled by February 1, 2025.
Although the farm appealed, claiming the flock had developed herd immunity, the courts rejected the argument. As a result, the Supreme Court ostrich farm ruling confirmed that the CFIA’s decision was reasonable and lawful.
The Stamping-Out Policy, backed by the World Organization for Animal Health, requires destroying all birds in an infected flock. Officials believe this is the only way to prevent further outbreaks.
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