B.C. Court Halts Cull of 400 Ostriches Amid Avian Flu Fears

A British Columbia ostrich farm has received a temporary reprieve from a cull order that threatened approximately 400 birds due to avian flu concerns. Justice Michael Battista of the Federal Court granted the stay on the cull order issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), allowing the farm to pursue a judicial review. The court ruled that proceeding with the cull could cause irreparable harm to the owners, Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, who have raised these birds for decades and are involved in significant research related to ostrich antibodies. The CFIA had ordered the cull following the detection of avian flu in two dead ostriches, but the farm's representatives argued for a more nuanced approach considering the unique genetics of the birds. Following the ruling, the farm's owners expressed immense relief, while supporters celebrated the decision. Despite this positive development, the threat of avian flu remains a concern for the farm and the broader region.