The Regional District of Central Kootenay in British Columbia is taking steps to manage the situation surrounding a flock of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C. In light of an impending cull due to avian influenza concerns, the district has decided to request the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to conduct further testing on the ostrich flock before any carcasses are accepted at the regional landfill. This development has sparked discussions online, with many supporters of the farm's owners interpreting it as a measure that would prevent the landfill from accepting the remains unless the birds test positive for the virus.
Teresa Weatherhead, a local director, expressed the uncertainty surrounding the implications of the district's resolution, highlighting that the regional government does not possess the authority to enforce CFIA decisions. Weatherhead assured that while the landfill is fully equipped to handle the carcasses if necessary, pursuing additional information about the birds' health was the best way to advocate for the farm and its owners. “We don’t yet know what the outcome is going to be,” she stated, emphasizing the numerous communications the regional district has received regarding the cull, and that their efforts are aimed at supporting the farmers within their limited jurisdiction.
The situation has led to significant community mobilization, with dozens of individuals gathering at the farm, led by owner Karen Espersen, who has called upon supporters to form a human shield to prevent the cull. The CFIA has not disclosed the exact timelines for the cull, but this has not deterred public outcry, as demonstrated by the hundreds who attended a district meeting where the cull was a central topic. Conservative MP Scott Anderson has also joined the fight against the cull, expressing concern over a recent Federal Court ruling that permitted the operation to move forward. Anderson visited the farm on Wednesday and noted the devastation felt by the family that owns the flock of approximately 400 ostriches.
Anderson described the situation as “heartbreaking,” and highlighted the growing anxiety within the animal husbandry community about the potential consequences of CFIA’s culling practices, which could extend beyond just ostriches. He mentioned plans to ask the CFIA to pause the cull, proposing an alternative research initiative utilizing the birds, which the owners argue have developed herd immunity to avian flu since last year’s outbreak. Anderson noted that he had communicated his efforts to the farm owners, emphasizing his role as a representative and their well-being amidst the crisis.
The sentiment against the cull has been palpable, with numerous community members expressing their stance at the district meeting. Many attendees voiced frustration about why their local government was not taking stronger action to prevent the cull or the disposal of the carcasses. District officials, including vice-chairman Aiden McLaren-Caux, acknowledged the horrific nature of the cull but indicated that the district lacked substantial legal authority to refuse receiving the carcasses at the landfill. Uli Wolf, the district’s general manager of environmental services, provided insights on waste management, indicating that the expected 50 to 75 tonnes of waste from the cull would not significantly increase the landfill's organic load and therefore posed no substantial health risk.
Amidst this backdrop, Katie Pasitney, whose parents own Universal Ostrich Farm, advocated for the birds, challenging the rationale behind the cull and calling for the district to reject the carcasses. She conveyed her conviction that the ostriches hold far greater value alive than dead, emphasizing their current health and productivity. In defense of their position, the CFIA has maintained that allowing any domestic flock exposed to the highly pathogenic avian influenza to remain alive would perpetuate a potential source of the virus.
While the resolution on further testing brought hope to some, it remains to be seen how this will affect the future of the ostrich flock. Legal representatives for the farm have not responded to inquiries, leaving many in the community anxious as they await developments.
