What’s the BC Ostrich Cull Order Controversy All About?

Karen Espersen, owner of Universal Ostrich Farm, with some of the 400 ostriches that may be culled due to an outbreak of avian flu. Courtesy of Universal Ostrich Farm

Explainer

The ongoing battle between a British Columbia ostrich farm and federal authorities continues as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advances its plans to cull nearly 400 birds over avian flu concerns, while the farmers insist the animals have developed herd immunity and should be spared.

Universal Ostrich Farm, located in Edgewood, B.C., has been at odds with CFIA about the upcoming cull of 399 birds since the farm’s court case to safeguard the birds was unsuccessful.

The agency ordered the birds destroyed in December following the discovery of avian flu on the farm, a decision that was upheld by a federal court last week.

Here’s a look at the ongoing controversy that has received the media attention across North America, while supporters have continued to gather at the farm to oppose the cull.

What Started the Controversy?

Universal Ostrich Farms, located in the small town of Edgewood roughly 150 kilometres east of Kelowna, notified a veterinarian about two sick birds in December 2024.

The CFIA contacted the farm before its owners Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski heard back from the vet. The agency said it had received an anonymous tip that indicated the possible presence of H5N1, also known as avian influenza, in the flock.

The agency collected samples from the two ostriches, which have since died, and confirmed the presence of H5N1. It is believed the flu virus was brought to the farm by migrating ducks.

CFIA protocol called for the humane slaughter and disposal of the remaining birds by the farm, but the family operating Universal Ostrich Farms successfully obtained a court injunction pending a judicial review.

The owners unsuccessfully challenged the cull in Federal Court, and the judicial review was dismissed on May 13 after the judge said CFIA’s decision was both “reasonable” and “made in a procedurally fair manner.” The farm was also instructed by the courts to pay $15,000 to CFIA to cover related legal expenses.

Cull to Proceed

The federal inspection agency informed The Epoch Times via email this week of its intention to proceed with the cull.

Meanwhile, the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s voted last week against permitting the CFIA to dispose of ostrich carcasses in its landfills until further avian flu testing is conducted on the birds.

Aidan McLaren-Caux, who serves as the vice-chair of the board for the Regional District of Central Kootenay, said that if the birds undergo testing and are deemed healthy, it is hoped the cull order will be revoked.

But CFIA has said the cull will move ahead, adding that it will not be sharing its plans or the date of the cull with the public.

“The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is aware of the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s motion to not accept the ostriches,” a spokesperson said in the email. “The CFIA will begin the humane depopulation and disposal of birds at the infected premises with veterinary oversight. We have a duty to protect Canadians from the serious potential risks that Avian Influenza presents to our people and our economy.”

Espersen said the farm is doing all it can to prevent the cull and will be in “operation security” mode until a court appeal can be prepared.

“We’ve got all our gates blocked, and we’ve got people around the clock around the perimeter of the facilities, so we’re doing everything to make sure that we can take it to the next level,” she said in a video posted to the farm’s Facebook page.“Our birds are happy and healthy. They look beautiful. They’re performing for everybody that stops by ... And we really want the world to see that this is wrong, what’s going on. And we’re not going to let it happen.”

Safety Concerns

CFIA said the cull is a public safety precaution because the avian flu can spread to other mammals, including humans.

“Allowing a domestic poultry flock known to be exposed to HPAI [highly pathogenic avian influenza] to remain alive allows a potential source of the virus to persist,” the agency spokesperson said in the email. “It would increase the possibility of reassortment or mutation, particularly with birds raised in open pasture where there is ongoing exposure to wildlife. A human case of H5N1 in BC earlier this year required critical care, and an extended hospital stay for the patient, and there have been a number of human cases in the U.S. including a fatality.”

The spokesperson acknowledged that depopulation can be a “distressing outcome” for the owners of the animals affected, but said if an owner refuses to meet the requirements outlined by the CFIA, the agency could move forward with depopulation itself, or use a third party contractor.

“This could mean withholding part or all compensation for the depopulation from the owners,” the spokesperson said in the email.

Compensation for destroyed animals is awarded to owners in accordance with the Health of Animals Act and under the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations, the spokesperson said.

“Compensation is based on the fair market value of the animals,” the spokesperson said. “For ostriches, compensation of up to $3000 per bird may be awarded when there is supporting documentation. While compensation may not offset the emotional toll of depopulation, it can provide resources to recover and reestablish operations.”

Protesters Gather

Members of the public who side with the farm and want to help save the birds camped out over the long weekend and say they’re preparing to stay longer.

More than 200 people gathered on May 17 to oppose the cull, with protesters saying the plan is to remain peaceful and to abide by the law.

Some opponents of the cull were on site shooting videos and live streaming throughout the weekend, with one person saying on a video that they will take on a “much more serious long-term activism role.”

The farmers’ cause has also been mentioned by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who told a New York radio show last month he was “horrified by the idea that they are going to kill these animals.”

Cull Vs. Research

Conservative MP Scott Anderson said in a May 15 social media post his team is working on a plan to save the ostriches while satisfying the requirements of the federal inspection agency.

“I will be formally asking the CFIA to hold off on the cull … while we explore the possibility of saving the ostriches for further immunology research,” he said, noting that he has been in touch with “numerous academics and scientists” who say “a cull is unnecessary and that the birds and eggs are extremely valuable research subjects.”

Physician and North Island MLA Anna Kindy described destroying the birds as “losing a meaningful scientific opportunity to study influenza immunity.”

There have been no further losses since the last ostrich died in January 2025, and all birds are reported to be healthy, Kindy said in a May 15 Facebook post.

“This means the birds have developed robust, protective natural immunity—independent testing confirmed the presence of antibodies,” she wrote. “The ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm are not being kept for human consumption, but for research purposes—developing diagnostic and therapeutic products. Again, we are squandering a scientific opportunity.”

The farm previously said the older birds developed herd immunity from a 2020 outbreak, noting that the birds’ antibodies were being used in research to develop vaccines and therapies.

The farm, together with a group of researchers from Canada, the United States, and Japan, has formed Struthio Bioscience. The ostriches are studied and used to create antibodies to fight viruses like H5N1 in animals and humans.

“They have the ability to do so much good. They could really help humanity, and there’s nobody listening,” farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney said in a previous interview.

CIFA, however, has said its decision to destroy the birds is consistent with its mandate under the Health of Animals Act and is about protecting both human health and Canada’s $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry. A CFIA spokesperson said the agency’s decision supports poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access.

“In domestic poultry, including ostriches, this is accomplished through timely depopulation of domestic birds on infected premises, implementing strong biosecurity measures, and properly disposing of carcasses from birds exposed to the disease,” the spokesperson said.

The Canadian Press and Chandra Philip contributed to this report.