CFIA says shooters decimated BC ostrich farm

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Friday it has eradicated the ostrich population from a farm in Edgewood, B.C.

announced a day later after supreme court of canada refused to hear an appeal To save the flock at the Universal Ostrich Farm, where avian flu was detected last December.

The CFIA said in a statement that after consulting experts, it concluded that “the most appropriate and humane option was to use professional shooters in a controlled on-farm setting.”

“All deportation activities were completed under CFIA veterinary supervision,” the agency said.

• For full details of the story that unfolded at Universal Ostrich Farm after the country’s top court refused to hear the farm’s appeal, Read CBC News’ live coverage here,

The CFIA ordered the culling of the farm’s birds after avian flu was detected in the flock last December, and 70 birds were killed.

The CFIA estimates that there were 300 to 330 ostriches on the farm before they were killed.

The months-long saga sparked debate over perceived government overreach and distrust in government organizations, as well as the mandates used to contain the virus.

The farm’s owners said the culling was unnecessary because the flock was healthy and had “herd immunity”, making them valuable for scientific research, while they requested that the birds be re-tested for infection.

The CFIA said healthy-looking ostriches could still be a potential source of the virus and allowing the flock to remain increases the risk that the virus will mutate dangerously, especially if the birds come into contact with wildlife.

The fight sparked a lengthy court battle that ended Thursday morning when the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear a final appeal by the farm owners.

Supporters of the farm expressed grief on Friday morning.

A post on the Facebook account of what appears to be farm co-owner Karen Esperson said there were “no words that can describe” how she and the farm’s supporters were feeling.

“Rest in peace my feathered friends,” the post said. “This is a sad day for Canada.”

‘gross quantity of electricity’

Farm spokeswoman Katie Pasitny, who is the daughter of co-owner Esperson, said she is dedicating herself to making sure the CFIA is no longer able to operate in the same way, saying the agency has an “excessive amount of power.”

“I’m hopeful that this is a turning point in Canada where we can create a better way, appropriate outbreak response, protection and conservation,” Pasitani said.

Conservative MP Scott Anderson, whose riding covers BC Farms, told reporters in Ottawa he was disappointed by the decision.

“I think it highlights the structural need for change within the CFIA,” he said.

BC Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham called it a “very challenging situation,” citing the CFIA.

“I extend my condolences to all the farmers who are currently responding to the outbreak of avian influenza on their farms in British Columbia,” she said. a recent surge Of infection.

“We respect the courts’ decisions and the authority of the CFIA to lead the investigation and response to all avian influenza outbreaks.”

---

The RCMP stated that they would remain on site at the request of the CFIA while the agency continued “disposal” and “demobilization.”

Police said there were no injuries or arrests during the “dynamic portion of the CFIA operation.”

Edgewood resident Brian Ewings told CBC News he thinks it’s unfortunate the murder happened, but is glad the decision was made.

He said most of the residents he spoke to felt the murder “had to be done”, but he said it had “divided” the community.

“It will become normal, but there will be animosity between some people and some people will continue to be concerned about it,” Ewings said.