The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has concluded its "active operations" at a British Columbia ostrich farm, following a culling of the flock due to an outbreak of avian flu. The cull, which involved professional marksmen, was deemed necessary to control the spread of the disease. A total of 314 ostriches, along with eggs and other related materials, were disposed of through deep burial at a landfill in B.C.
The affected site, Universal Ostrich Farms, located near Edgewood in southeastern B.C., remains under quarantine. Access to areas subject to biocontainment measures is restricted, and permission is required to enter these zones following last week's cull. The CFIA has outlined a standardized protocol that all infected premises must adhere to in order to resume operations, which includes thorough cleaning and disinfection that must be approved by the agency before quarantine restrictions can be lifted.
The farm has received detailed documentation regarding the requirements for resuming normal activities. Following the cleaning process, a "fallow period" under CFIA supervision may be necessary. Representatives from the farm, which had been contesting the culling order for more than ten months before the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear an appeal, have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the recent developments.
Katie Pasitney, whose mother is a co-owner of Universal Ostrich Farms, expressed strong disapproval of the culling method, describing the shooting of the ostriches as "inhumane." She referred to the experience as overwhelming, with gunfire lasting several hours on the night of the cull. In contrast, the CFIA has stated that consulting with experts led them to determine that employing professional marksmen was the most appropriate and humane method for eliminating the infected flock, particularly in light of the control measures required for such disease outbreaks.
According to the CFIA's latest communication, personal protective equipment (PPE) is not needed outside designated quarantine zones. Those who entered the quarantine areas, known as "hot" zones, were required to wear protective gear or undergo thorough disinfection upon exiting. The agency also noted that all equipment was disinfected when leaving these designated zones, with workers visibly dressed in white protective suits during the cull and disposal operations.
However, Pasitney raised concerns about safety protocols, questioning why some RCMP officers and other individuals near the pen did not appear to be wearing PPE. The CFIA clarified that it would review any formal requests for compensation related to the loss of the flock in accordance with the Health of Animals Act and regulations governing the destruction of animals and property. These regulations aim to encourage early reporting of animal diseases and facilitate cooperation among owners in eradication efforts.
In conclusion, this culling incident at Universal Ostrich Farms highlights the complex challenges posed by outbreaks of avian flu, underscoring the balance between public health measures and the ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare. As the farm navigates the recovery process under CFIA regulations, the incident brings to light ongoing debates regarding animal treatment and agricultural practices in the face of disease management.
