Why Culling the Infected Ostriches in B.C. Is a Necessary Step to Protect Public and Poultry Health

The recent discovery of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a flock of ostriches in British Columbia has sparked public concern, and understandably so. Ostriches are unique, charismatic animals and their loss is no doubt heartbreaking—for the birds themselves and for the farmer who raised them. However, given the stakes involved, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) decision to cull the flock is not only justified, but essential.

A New, Dangerous Strain on Canadian Soil

The strain of HPAI detected in these ostriches has not been previously identified in Canada, which raises alarm bells across veterinary and public health sectors. It is genetically similar to the strain recently found in a poultry worker in Ohio, underscoring its potential to jump species barriers—including to humans. The presence of this strain in Canadian livestock marks a serious biosecurity threat, not just to poultry farms in British Columbia, but across the entire country.

Human and Industry Health Are at Risk

Each day that the infected ostriches remain alive increases the likelihood of virus spread—to wild birds, other farms, and potentially to humans. Avian Influenza is known for its devastating speed and transmission potential, and the longer eradication is delayed, the harder it becomes to contain. Delays increase risk exponentially, both biologically and economically.

This isn’t just about one farm. Canada’s multi-billion-dollar poultry industry—chickens, turkeys, ducks, and yes, even ostriches—relies on swift and science-based responses to disease outbreaks. Public health, food security, and trade depend on our ability to act quickly and decisively when threats like this emerge.

The Compensation Controversy

The CFIA offers $3,000 per ostrich in compensation, calculated using a standardized and fair valuation formula that is also used for chickens, turkeys, and other poultry. While some may argue that these ostriches have greater genetic or monetary value, the reality is that CFIA applies the same formula across the board—even when breeders of rare or genetically significant poultry suffer losses.

It’s not perfect, and the emotional and financial impact is real. But changing the compensation model for one farmer undermines the consistency and credibility of the system. Unfortunately, just as with rare chicken breeds, there is no precedent or mechanism for adjusting valuations based on individual claims of higher worth.

Accountability Matters

If the reports are true that the farmer failed to report initial ostrich mortalities in an attempt to conceal the presence of HPAI, that is deeply troubling. Poultry producers have a legal and ethical responsibility to report signs of disease immediately. Whether you're raising broiler chickens or exotic ostriches, the rules are clear: protecting your flock means protecting the entire industry.

Intentional concealment of disease not only delays response efforts—it endangers neighboring farms, public health, and even Canada’s international trade relationships. There must be consequences when farmers neglect these duties, just as there are consequences for failing to report in any other regulated sector.

A Science-Based Approach

We recognize that some members of the public may disagree with the decision to cull these birds. But this position is rooted in science, epidemiology, and decades of disease management experience. It is not taken lightly, nor without consideration of the emotional and financial toll. However, the greater good - the protection of the public, the poultry industry, and Canada's agricultural integrity—must come first.

The Bottom Line

Culling infected animals is always tragic, but allowing an emerging zoonotic virus to spread unchecked is far more dangerous. Each day of delay in acting increases risk. The CFIA’s approach, including its compensation process and strict biosecurity measures, is designed to protect us all. We must support swift, science-based responses to outbreaks—because in situations like these, hesitation can be fatal.

Let’s not forget: with diseases like HPAI, the cost of inaction is always higher than the cost of doing what’s necessary.