© Xinhua/Li Yahui/Sipa USA
(Ottawa) – The ostriches in Canada are safe — for the time being. The Supreme Court of Canada issued a stay of execution, after a flock of 400 birds were ordered to be culled — due to a previous avian flu outbreak.
On Tuesday, Universal Ostrich Farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney, and her mother Karen Espersen — who co-owns the farm — were arrested. RCMP officers had been called in to keep the peace. The CBC reports that Pasitney declared “They live today. We have time and there’s some time to figure out what’s the next steps.” She noted how much she wanted to run in and hug her birds, adding she can’t right now.
77 WABC and owner-operator John Catsimatidis have been among the leading voices in pushing to save these birds, which are ancient creatures — that may contain antibodies that could be used for future medical treatments. Influential members of the Trump Administration such as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Dr. Mehmet Oz have also been at the front end of this charge. Both men have said killing the birds is ill advised, because of their potential antibodies.
This is all happening at the Universal Ostrich Farm in British Columbia. The ostriches are not raised for meat, but rather for scientific research. Farm representatives say the birds are healthy and show previous signs of flu infection — meaning they successfully survived the disease.
Canadian health officials see the situation differently. They say because the ostriches live in open-air pens they run the risk of further exposure to avian flu — via wild birds. And the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has been preparing to destroy the flock, following evidence of bird flu contact last December.
But this latest order from the Supreme Court of Canada puts that process on hold. It effectively pauses the December 31, 2024 “Notice to Dispose.” The court is also presently considering an appeal of a lower court’s order — as filed by the farm.
The SCC says that appeal’s review will be expedited. But, the court also said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will remain in custody of the birds — and the farm is not permitted to interfere amid the ongoing review. The CFIA is similarly ordered to issue a response by October 3, with the farm then permitted to respond 48 hours later.
