Supreme Court of Canada shares date on decision to hear Ostrich cull case

Supreme Court of Canada Schedules Decision on Ostrich Cull Case

The Supreme Court of Canada will announce next week if it will hear a significant case from British Columbia's Interior involving Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood.

Background of the Case

The case concerns a cull ordered last December by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) after an avian flu outbreak decimated the ostrich flock at the farm. The CFIA reported that 69 birds died from the disease.

Details of the Outbreak

Two deceased birds tested positive for the H5N1 flu strain.
The farm owners have requested tests on the surviving ostriches.

Positions of the Parties

"The remaining ostriches show no signs of illness and should not be killed," say the farmers.

The CFIA argues that "ostriches appearing healthy can still spread the disease, including new mutations of the virus."

Legal Proceedings

After a series of losses in lower courts, the farm owners appealed to the Supreme Court. The court has temporarily stayed the cull order and instructed the CFIA to take custody of the birds until it decides whether to hear the case.

Upcoming Decision

The Supreme Court’s announcement on whether to proceed with the case is scheduled for next Thursday.

"The Supreme Court will make a decision next week about whether it will hear a high-profile case out of B.C's Interior."

Author’s summary: The Supreme Court’s pending decision will determine the fate of surviving ostriches after an avian flu outbreak, balancing disease control and animal welfare claims.

CityNews Vancouver — 2025-10-31