‘The Agriculture Union supports every individual’s right to peaceful protest, so long as it does not obstruct the work of our members’
The union representing Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) employees tasked with a potential ostrich cull in British Columbia has raised concerns about the safety of its members.
The Agriculture Union “has grown increasingly concerned in recent weeks about intimidation and threats made online” against its members regarding a possible cull at the Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, said Milton Dyck, national president of the union.
Earlier this month, a federal court ruled that the CFIA “acted reasonably” when it ordered the owners of the ostrich farm to dispose of birds exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
“All avian influenza viruses, particularly H5 and H7 viruses, have the potential to infect mammals including humans. A human case of H5N1 in BC earlier this year required critical care, and an extended hospital stay for the patient,” said the CFIA.
“Allowing a domestic poultry flock known to be exposed to HPAI to remain alive allows a potential source of the virus to persist. It would increase the possibility of reassortment or mutation, particularly with birds raised in open pasture where there is ongoing exposure to wildlife. This could also increase the human health risk.”
As of May 28, more than 14.5 million birds in Canada have been infected by avian influenza—including over 8.7 million in B.C., according to the federal government.
Sympathy, personal losses, safety
Federal Court Justice Russel Zinn acknowledged that—even though he has "considerable sympathy" for the farmers—he found no legal fault in the order to destroy the nearly 400-bird flock due to the presence of avian flu.
“Personal losses must be weighed against the broader public interest in protecting public health and maintaining trade stability," Zinn wrote in his ruling, according to a CBC report.
"Avian influenza is a virus capable of causing serious harm to both animals and humans, with significant implications for Canada's poultry businesses and international trade status. To combat threats like this virus, Parliament has authorized the CFIA to act decisively, making swift decisions with far-reaching consequences, often under conditions of scientific uncertainty."
Meanwhile, Katie Pasitney, a spokesperson for the Universal Ostrich farm owned by her parents, expressed disappointment in the CFIA’s decision and called for the agency to retest the birds.
“We can prove to you we pose no public health and safety risk,” she said, according to Save Our Ostriches.
“There’s a family sitting here trying to do the right thing. We put our feet on the ground every morning. We pray, we open our hearts that there’s hope that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would revisit their [decision].”
Supporters have camped out at the Edgewood farm for weeks, saying they won't allow the cull to go ahead, according to CBC. And the union representing the CFIA workers has no problem with the protest, as long as their members feel safe, said Dyck.
“The Agriculture Union supports every individual’s right to peaceful protest, so long as it does not obstruct the work of our members. We expect our members to be able to engage in their work in a safe environment, free of physical threats and intimidation. The right to safe work is a fundamental right for everyone in Canada.”
Dyck added: “Avian flu poses a serious risk to our farms, our economy, and our population. While we sympathize with those whose livelihoods are affected, our members are obligated to enforce the Health of Animals Act, which protects humans and animals against the spread of dangerous diseases.”
US billionaire wants birds retested
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered the culling of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm after inspectors received an anonymous tip in December 2024 regarding bird deaths on the ranch.
Inspectors collected samples from two deceased birds and confirmed—through repeated testing—that they had been infected with the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, according to the CBC. The CFIA subsequently ordered the destruction of nearly 400 ostriches, in accordance with its “stamping out” policy aimed at controlling the disease.
During the initial outbreak, 69 birds died. The last recorded death occurred in January.
The farm contends, however, that the remaining ostriches have either recovered or never displayed symptoms of infection.
Recently, American billionaire John Catsimatidis stated that he—along with Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—is seeking a “diplomatic meeting with Canadian officials” regarding the fate of the ostriches before, as he put it, “irreversible harm is done.”
Catsimatidis is supporting calls for the ostriches to be retested, studied, and potentially spared.
“I love animals,” he said, according to the CBC. “Why the rush to kill them?”
