Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., has spent months fighting a cull order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that would result in the deaths of nearly 400 birds.

Here are some of the key dates in the lengthy battle, including accounts based on court rulings.

Early December 2024: An outbreak of what the farmers later describe as “flu-like” symptoms occurs among the ostriches, killing 25 to 30 ostriches in a three-week period.

Dec. 28: The CFIA intervenes after receiving an anonymous report of multiple ostrich deaths at the farm. It verbally imposes a quarantine order, with formal documentation to follow. Four more ostriches die the next day.

Dec. 31: The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network laboratory reports that samples from two carcasses test positive for H5 a

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