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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to start a total removal of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the country’s top court declined to stop the contentious eradication.

Judicial Impediments Cleared by Supreme Court Decision

On Thursday removed all legal barrier to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located close to the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate nearly 400 birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu.

Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an interim stay on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to hear the case.

Political and Public Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a simmering distrust of government – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The case has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned twice by journalists whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull.

He informed the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but didn’t say the word “ostrich”.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of high-profile individuals from the United States have petitioned Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to move the birds to his ranch in the Sunshine State.

An US billionaire has also appealed with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Health and Moral Debates

The Canadian federal government stated the food inspection agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the transmission of avian flu, a step consistent with broader guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal rights organizations have urged the agency to conduct additional tests on the animals to verify they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the surviving majority seeming in good condition or healed, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against the virus.

They have also cast doubt on the scope and effectiveness of testing on the ostriches.

Farm Spokesperson Reaction

On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the press that the authority was “murdering” birds in good health.

“These are ancient creatures that have survived eons, but they won’t endure the government agency,” she said.

A co-owner said he was concerned that there is no justice left”.

Court and Authority Decisions

A federal court, on the other hand, found that permitting the birds to stay alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it expects to start slaughtering the birds.

Eradication Procedures

An older agency manual, acquired under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by different means, the preferred being injection, which requires three people: one to hold the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the organization can only shoot the ostriches “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Recent Developments

According to reports, shortly after the judicial decision, inspection agents began setting up additional gear and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the ostrich pen.