British Columbia·UpdatedThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it has culled the ostrich population on a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. Professional marksmen used to carry out order at Universal Ostrich Farms, agency says CBC News · Posted: Nov 07, 2025 1:18 PM EST | Last Updated: 6 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Tarpaulins cover the ground inside a holding pen at Universal Ostrich Farms near Edgewood, B.C., on Friday, where the Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed marksmen carried out a cull. (Brenna Owen/The Canadian Press)The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Friday that it has culled the ostrich population on a farm in Edgewood, B.C. The announcement came a day after the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear an appeal to save the flock at Universal Ostrich Farms, where avian flu was detected last December.The CFIA said in a statement that after consulting with experts, it concluded that “that the most appropriate and humane option was to use professional marksmen in a controlled on-farm setting.””All depopulation activities were completed under CFIA veterinary supervision,” the agency said. For a full account of the story that unfolded at Universal Ostrich Farms after the country’s top court declined to hear the farm’s appeal, read CBC News’ live coverage here.The CFIA ordered the cull of the farm’s birds after avian flu was detected in the flock last December and killed 70 of the birds. The CFIA estimated there were 300 to 330 ostriches on the farm prior to the cull. Some of the farm’s ostriches pictured on May 21. (Camille Vernet/Radio-Canada)The months-long saga sparked a debate around perceived government overreach and mistrust in government organizations, as well as mandates used to contain viruses.The farm’s owners had said the cull was unnecessary because the flock was healthy and had “herd immunity,” making them valuable for scientific research, while requesting that the birds be re-tested for infection.Read more about the background of this case: How the fate of a herd of ostriches on a small B.C. farm caught the attention of the Trump administration.The CFIA said ostriches that appear healthy can still be a potential source of the virus and allowing the flock to live increased the risk that the virus would dangerously mutate, particularly if the birds were exposed to wildlife.The fight kicked off a lengthy court battle that ended Thursday morning when the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear a final appeal from the farm’s owners. Four workers in white hazmat suits approach the ostriches on Thursday. (Brady Strachan/CBC)Supporters of the farm expressed grief on Friday morning. A post on a Facebook account appearing to belong to farm owner Karen Espersen said there were “no words that can describe” how she and the farm’s supporters felt.“Rest in peace my feathered friends,” the post said. “This is a sad day for Canada.”RCMP say they will remain on site at the CFIA’s request while the agency continues with “disposal” and “demobilization.”With files from The Canadian Press
CFIA says cull of ostriches at B.C. farm is complete
