An ostrich farm in British Columbia has countered claims made by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ahead of a government-ordered cull.The owners of Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, BC argued that they handled the avian flu cases appropriately, and that a scientific review should be conducted before any birds are slaughtered..Feds fine BC ostrich farm $20,000 for failing to 'adhere to quarantine orders'.In a statement, the CFIA said that the farm "has not cooperated with the requirements set out under the Health of Animals Act, including failure to report the initial cases of illness and deaths to the CFIA and failure to adhere to quarantine orders." The farm refuted that claim, explaining that it had "implemented quarantine measures immediately and voluntarily upon observing signs of illness-well before any CFIA orders were issued," and noting that "the farm is located in a remote area with no nearby poultry operations, making it an ideal natural quarantine zone.".The CFIA also argued that the owners did not substantiate their claims that scientific research was being carried out on the premises, and that "the current physical facilities at their location are not suitable for controlled research activities or trials."Owners of the farm, conversely, said they had "submitted a comprehensive business case and strategic plan to the CFIA outlining how the birds and their antibodies could be used in research and development.""We are troubled by CFIA's public statements suggesting they were unaware of these plans," spokesperson Katie Pasitney added. "We made every effort to communicate the scientific value of this flock."Pointing out that a slew of independent experts have submitted affidavits supporting the farm, Pasitney declared, "we believe science should guide policy — not be excluded from it.".RFK Jr calls on CFIA to partner with US to save 400 BC ostriches from gov't-ordered cull.The cull has drawn the attention of United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who called on the CFIA to partner with his agency to keep the flock alive and use the birds for research..The farm also took aim at the CFIA's claim that slaughtering the flock was in the best interest of public safety, arguing that "there is no evidence that culling these healthy animals will protect human or animal health.""The CFIA's decision is based on two postmortem PCR tests conducted on just two birds-less than 0.5% of the flock-over six months ago," the farm explained. "No live bird testing has been permitted since, despite the absence of illness or mortality in the flock for over 130 days. The farm has repeatedly requested further testing and offered to collaborate with authorities, but these requests have been denied under threat of severe penalties."The owners have been adamant in their belief that independent testing would paint a different picture than that pushed by the CFIA.."Universal Ostrich Farm is not seeking to avoid regulation," the owners wrote. "It is asking for due process, scientific investigation, and humane treatment of animals ... Our farm is urging the public, policymakers, and scientific community to support a temporary halt to the cull and allow for independent testing and review."Pasitney called on officials to "lead with science, not fear," warning that "if exposure alone becomes a death sentence, every outdoor farm in Canada is at risk."
