11/09/2025
It is dark day in Canadian history. This past week the Liberal Government approved the culling of over 300 healthy ostriches based on a positive Avian Influenza almost a year ago.
The past 11 months the Universal Farms worked tirelessly to appeal the decision of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) - one specific ask was to prove a new and current test.
Why is this incident important and why are we paying so much attention to it? It is an example of evidence vs opinion.
While these birds were used in international research and showed promise of advancements in immunology, particularly around vaccine research, the point is the CFIA did not base their reason to cull these ostriches on evidence. They based it on opinion. The opinion that they were sick. Ostriches are also not part of the poultry policies, which they (CFIA) included them into. Culling birds when the Avian Flu is detected, may end is culling the entire flock This is for poultry, which ostriches are not. Something CFIA should and obviously amend.
Did CFIA due their due diligence and have independent testing to prove they did or did not have Avian Flu? No. Were they going to fine the family if they did independent testing? Yes. Were the ostriches harmed under the care of CFIA as they waited for their order? Yes.
Could the liberal government have overturned the order to cull these ostriches? Yes. Did the Conservatives push for discussion and demand more transparency and even visit the farm? Yes. The hero in this story could have been the CFIA but they are no hero.
It took over 900 gunshots to kill 300 ostriches. Is this how the culling should even been done? Absolutely not. Their strategy was vile, disrespectful and shameful to the country.
Anyone who followed this story and understands the depth of this story, will feel rage, sorrow and yet again loss of trust for those who “make decisions”. Anyone who agrees with the culling, have little depth of understanding of what it represents and the standards