OTTAWA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it will move forward with “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a British Columbia farm after the owners lost a bid to have their case heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.
The agency says it has respected all orders of the courts and expects the farm’s owners and its supporters to do the same after the high court decided not to hear the farmers’ final appeal.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the cull order last Dec. 31 following detection of an avian flu outbreak, triggering a 10-month battle by the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms in the southern Interior community of Edgewood, B.C.
Today’s ruling removes any legal impediment to commencing the killings.
The farm’s owners argue the surviving ostriches show no signs of illness and should be spared, while the inspection agency says ostriches that appear healthy may still spread the disease.
Supporters at the farm formed a prayer circle as co-owner Dave Bilinski delivered news of the ruling, while saying he hoped for a “miracle” to save the flock.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2025.
The Canadian Press
