A British Columbia ostrich farm is at the center of a significant avian flu outbreak, with a strain not previously seen in Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced on Friday that the infection includes a genotype linked to a human case in Ohio. As a result, a cull of the birds is planned at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C.

The CFIA has fined the farm $20,000 for not cooperating with measures to combat the avian flu. Farmers at the site are resisting the cull order, claiming they have scientific research to support their case. However, the CFIA stated that these claims have not been substantiated. Protests have erupted at the farm, with demonstrators gathering to block the cull.

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently wrote to the CFIA, urging them to save the ostriches for joint research. Dr. Mehmet Oz, an administrator at the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, also expressed interest in relocating the birds to his ranch in Florida.

The CFIA has issued two violation notices to the farm for failing to report illnesses and deaths among the flock last year, as well as for not adhering to quarantine orders. The agency noted that the farm did not implement necessary biosecurity measures, such as limiting wild bird access and controlling water flow from the quarantine zone. These oversights have heightened the risk of disease transmission.

Katie Pasitney, whose parents own the farm, commented on the situation, saying, "I’m unsure whether the fines were a new move by the CFIA, but nothing surprises me at this point."

Protesters have been present at the farm for weeks, with their numbers increasing after a convoy of vehicles arrived on Friday. The farm reported that 69 ostriches died during an avian flu outbreak in December and January. The owners claim that the remaining 400 birds have developed herd immunity and are a valuable resource for scientific study.

The CFIA stated, "CFIA has not received any evidence of scientific research being done at the infected premises." They added that the farm did not provide necessary research documentation during the review process for an exemption from the cull order. Furthermore, the facilities at the farm are deemed unsuitable for controlled research activities.

The farmers previously attempted to halt the cull through a judicial review, but a Federal Court judge ruled on May 13 that the cull could proceed. An appeal was filed this week, but the farmers have not secured a stay of the cull order.

The CFIA emphasized that the flock has multiple confirmed cases of H5N1, posing serious risks to animal and human health. They continue to plan for the humane depopulation of the infected birds under veterinary oversight. The ongoing situation has raised concerns about health risks and regulatory compliance at the farm.