RFK Jr. Urges Canada to Spare 400 Ostriches Amid Avian Flu Cull

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., supported by top American health officials including the NIH and FDA heads, has formally urged Canadian authorities to reconsider the planned mass cull of approximately 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in British Columbia after avian flu was detected in two deceased birds. Kennedy argues that the birds, many of which recovered or showed no symptoms, represent a valuable opportunity for scientific study of natural immunity and antibody response to H5N1, especially given their long lifespan. He emphasized that indiscriminate culling risks losing important genetic stock that could enhance understanding of avian flu mortality factors and improve agricultural resilience. The U.S. government has pledged full support for research on the flock, questioning the rationale for killing surviving birds nearly six months after the last infection. Meanwhile, the farm's owners and supporters, including Dr. Oz and animal rights activists, have advocated for relocating the ostriches to safety to preserve them. Despite the growing international appeal and ongoing investigations into suspicious deaths at the farm, Canadian officials have indicated the cull will proceed.