The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has finalized its operations at an ostrich farm in British Columbia, where a flock was culled due to an avian flu outbreak. The agency announced that 314 ostriches, along with eggs and other materials, were disposed of through deep burial at a landfill in the region. The site, Universal Ostrich Farms, located near Edgewood, remains under quarantine, and access to certain areas is restricted due to biocontainment measures.

The cull was initiated after avian flu was detected in the flock last December, resulting in the death of 70 birds. The CFIA stated that all infected premises must adhere to a standardized protocol to resume operations, which includes thorough cleaning and disinfection approved by the agency. Quarantine restrictions will only be lifted once these measures are completed. The farm has received documentation outlining these requirements, and a fallow period may follow under CFIA supervision.

Farm representatives, who contested the cull order for over ten months, did not respond to requests for comment. Katie Pasitney, whose mother co-owns the farm, described the shooting of the ostriches as "inhumane" and noted that the gunfire lasted for hours, calling it "overwhelming."

The CFIA determined that employing professional marksmen was the most humane option for culling the flock after consulting with experts in disease management among ostriches. The agency clarified that personal protective equipment is not necessary outside designated quarantine zones. However, anyone entering these "hot" zones was required to wear protective gear or undergo disinfection upon exiting. All equipment used in the operation was also disinfected before leaving these areas.

Pasitney has raised concerns about the lack of protective gear worn by RCMP officers and others present outside the pen during the cull. The CFIA also stated that any formal requests for compensation related to the loss of the flock will be evaluated according to the Health of Animals Act and relevant regulations. These regulations aim to promote early reporting of animal diseases and encourage cooperation from owners in eradication efforts.

The culling of the ostrich population at Universal Ostrich Farms has sparked discussions about government intervention in animal health crises, highlighting the complexities involved in managing such outbreaks.