EDGEWOOD, BRITISH COLUMBIA – An ostrich farm located in Edgewood, British Columbia is facing the imminent culling of approximately 400 ostriches due to a parliamentary directive from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), following an outbreak of avian flu in December 2024. The Universal Ostrich Farm is rallying support to prevent this cull, and attracting attention from various influencers, including right-wing American commentator Chris Sanders.
In a recent Facebook video, Sanders expressed his desire to assist the ostriches by relocating them to farms in the United States, particularly in states such as Oklahoma, Texas, and South Dakota. He emphasized a potential benefit, stating that the birds could contribute to scientific research aimed at developing antibodies against avian flu.
Spokesperson Katie Pasitney from the Universal Ostrich Farm acknowledged Sanders’ comments and mentioned that they are currently exploring the possibility of relocating the ostriches. As the cull is expected to be executed imminently, possibly over the weekend or on Monday, Pasitney urged supporters to inundate authorities with calls, advocating for a reconsideration of the cull order and appealing to what she termed “the right side of history.”
In light of the situation, Pasitney also encouraged supporters to monitor highways for any significant police presence, indicating that they should be both “emotionally and mentally” prepared for the culling operation. The CFIA has yet to confirm the exact timing of the cull, leading to a range of community responses aimed at challenging the order.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a statement acknowledging that the CFIA is the lead agency concerning the cull and requested that the public refrain from utilizing emergency lines for issues not requiring immediate police assistance. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark highlighted the importance of keeping these lines available for those in urgent need of help.
This incident is not the first time the Universal Ostrich Farm has made headlines. In May 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure and U.S. Secretary for Health and Human Services, wrote a letter to CFIA President Paul MacKinnon urging the agency to reconsider the culling plans. He highlighted the “significant value” in studying the immune responses of the ostriches to avian flu, advocating for their preservation instead of culling.
Despite attempts by the farm to halt the cull through legal channels, including bids that were rejected by the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, the farm has been denied another stay of the cull order. Currently, they are preparing to petition the Supreme Court of Canada, with plans to submit their application by October 3, 2025.
The situation at the Universal Ostrich Farm continues to evolve, drawing attention from the public and various media outlets as the community rallies to save the ostriches from impending destruction.
