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(New York, NY) – Over the past month, we’ve watched closely. The question remains: will Canada really kill these defenseless ostriches, who are ancient birds that may carry genetic information needed to fight diseases? 77 WABC owner-operator John Catsimatidis has made the point repeatedly: there are powerful and well-funded forces at play here. Pharmaceutical companies have a vested interest in keeping knowledge limited when it comes to naturally-occurring ways to fight disease. And so the push to protect innocent animals involves doing what’s right, as well as what’s best for the human race.
Ostrich farmer Katie Pasitney provided an update on The Cats Roundtable:
Since December of 2024, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been trying to exterminate upward of 400 ostriches from the Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. The argument from officials is that the flock was exposed to bird flu, and as such needs to be killed. In essence they argue the risks are too high for broader spread. But the farmers say their ostriches show sign of previous infection and antibodies — meaning they aren’t at a risk of getting severely ill or of spreading bird flu further. Many — including Catsimatidis — note that’s of specific interest in developing future cures and treatments for various ailments. In other words, ostriches may contain clues hidden within their DNA that could benefit humans.
The latest development for the flock at Universal Ostrich farm is a positive one. Heath MacDonald, Canada’s Agriculture Minister, said the ostriches will “not necessarily” be killed. He said the Canadian government is considering all the facts in pursuit of the best solution.
Catsimatidis has not stood alone in fighting for the ostrich flock. US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz have also urged Canada to spare the ostriches for scientific research, with Oz offering to house them at his ranch.
The farm argues the remaining birds show no symptoms since January deaths and are used for research, not food. The CFIA argues there are risks from the farm’s open pens — which means wild birds can interact with the ostriches. Officials also note a “lack of genetic uniqueness.”
