🔗 Share this article Government Pushes On with ‘Complete Depopulation’ Strategy to Cull 400 Ostriches Canada’s food safety authority has announced it intends to begin a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm following the supreme court refused to block the disputed slaughter. Judicial Impediments Cleared by Supreme Court Decision Thursday’s ruling eliminated all judicial obstacle to commencing the slaughter. The ostrich farm, situated close to the community of Edgewood, was initially directed in May to cull almost four hundred birds, amid concerns of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu. Just days ago, authorities took over of the operation. Sixty-nine birds have previously perished after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness. On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court granted an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it considered whether to hear the case. Governmental and Societal Reactions The growing row over the birds – and a simmering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired demonstrators to gather at the property, with many broadcasting their anger on social media. The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere. Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he supported protesters. The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the issue, despite many within his political group voicing opposition against the cull. He told reporters the issue had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. International Interest and Proposals Several high-profile figures from the United States have lobbied authorities in Canada. The US health secretary proposed to move the birds to his property in Florida. An US wealthy businessman has also appealed with the Canadian government to rescind its cull order. Scientific and Moral Debates The national authorities said the relevant agency was following a eradication approach in order to contain the transmission of avian flu, a step in line with broader guidance from international health bodies. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the authority to perform additional tests on the birds to confirm they are carrying the virus. The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or healed, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against the virus. They have also expressed skepticism on the scope and reliability of testing on the birds. Farm Spokesperson Response On Thursday, the ranch representative, told the media that the authority was “murdering” healthy birds. “They are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said. A partner said he was concerned there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”. Judicial and Agency Decisions A federal court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the birds to remain alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans. The agency has not announced when it expects to begin culling the birds. Eradication Procedures A 2016 guideline document, obtained under freedom of information laws, states ostriches can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being lethal injection, which needs multiple individuals: one to hold the bird by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas or break the birds’ necks. Members of the organization can only use firearms on the birds “as a last resort”, if they have a trained shooter on site. Latest Developments As per reports, soon after the court ruling, inspection agents began setting up more equipment and flood lighting around a large hay-bale enclosure near the rear of the bird enclosure.