Canada - British Columbia: Avian Influenza in Poultry 2024-25

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Canadian Food Inspection Agency to maintain an ongoing presence in Edgewood, British Columbia during Supreme Court proceedings


From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Statement

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will comply with the interim order issued by the Supreme Court of Canada today.

The CFIA will be filing its response to the request for leave to appeal as soon as possible.

The CFIA will maintain custody of the birds as ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada. The CFIA will provide appropriate feed and water with veterinary oversight while the birds are in the Agency’s custody.

The search warrants which authorized the CFIA to take control of specific properties at the ostrich farm remain in effect. There is no access to the properties under CFIA control without permission from the CFIA.

Individuals approaching the ostrich farm during the CFIA’s ongoing presence as authorized by the Supreme Court of Canada should pay particular attention to Sections 35(1) and 65(1) of the Health of Animals Act which state:

35 (1) No person shall obstruct or hinder or make any false or misleading statement either orally or in writing to an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations.

65 (1) Every person who contravenes any provision of this Act, other than section 15, or the regulations or who refuses or neglects to perform any duty imposed by or under the Act or the regulations is guilty of

a) an offence punishable on summary conviction and liable to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both; or

b) an indictable offence and liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both.

The CFIA is committed to the safety and security of its employees and contractors and continues to work with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for onsite security and follow up on ongoing threats of violence and death by apparent supporters of the ostrich farm.

Our disease response aims to protect both public and animal health, as well as minimize impacts on the $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy. This supports Canadian families and poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in exports.

Canada’s animal health status is an essential element of agricultural exports and the national economy.Our stamping out policy plays a critical role in animal disease control and preparedness.

Contacts

Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
cfia.media.acia@canada.ca

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) touches the lives of all Canadians in so many positive ways. Each day, hard-working CFIA employees–including inspectors, veterinarians and scientists–inspect food for safety risks, protect plants from pests and invasive species, and respond to animal diseases that could threaten Canada's national herd and human health. Guided by science-based decision-making and modern regulations, the Agency works tirelessly to ensure access to safe and healthy food in Canada, and support access to international markets for our high-quality agricultural products. To learn more, visit inspection.canada.ca.

Search for related information by keyword: Animal diseases | Animal health | Canadian Food Inspection Agency | British Columbia | Canada | Avian influenza (H5N1) | general public | government | statements | Hon. Heath MacDonald | Hon. Marjorie Michel

Page details

Date modified: 2025-09-24

https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2025/09/canadian-food-inspection-agency-to-maintain-an-ongoing-presence-in-edgewood-british-columbia-during-supreme-court-proceedings.html

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Update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency operations and custody of ostriches at Edgewood, British Columbia


From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Statement

September 26, 2025 – Consistent with the interim stay order of the Supreme Court of Canada issued on September 24, 2025, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is maintaining its presence in Edgewood, British Columbia and has custody of the ostriches on the farm.

Current status of the Agency’s presence on the farm

The CFIA will continue to provide appropriate feed and water to the ostriches under CFIA veterinary oversight. The CFIA will be using feed provided by the ostrich farm’s regular supplier once it is delivered.

The CFIA has completed an initial count of the ostriches and determined that there are between 300 and 330 on the premises. There will be ongoing efforts to determine a more precise number. The CFIA also identified an ostrich with compromised health on the premises. The CFIA is consulting the owners about any pre-existing treatment plans that they have with their private veterinarian.

As the farm remains under CFIA control, individuals at the farm should continue to be aware of subsection 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act which makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations.

There are potential animal and human health risks associated with the ongoing delay in implementing disease-response measures at Universal Ostrich Farms (UOF) including destruction of the infected and exposed ostriches and decontamination of the infected and exposed environment.

Evolving science underscores urgency of action

Following the confirmation of the presence of H5N1 in the herd of ostriches from Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) laboratory in Winnipeg isolated the virus and complete whole genome sequencing.

Additional laboratory analysis of the original samples has determined that current HPAI infection in these ostriches is a novel reassortment not seen elsewhere in Canada. This assortment includes the D1.3 genotype, which has been associated with a human infection in a poultry worker in Ohio.

Laboratory analysis also found this novel reassortment event has enhanced the pathogenicity of this particular H5N1 genotype. Even minimal quantities of the virus could be lethal, with a rapid time to death of 4-5 days in mice exposed to even low doses. By comparison, the B3.13 genotype (originating from a USA dairy cow) resulted in mortality within 3-6 days, but only at substantially higher doses.

Genomic epidemiology analyses traced the spread of genotype D1.3. and demonstrated that the samples collected at the UOF are direct genetic ancestors of those collected in Ohio and Missouri in late 2024. The analysis therefore showed strong statistical support for inferred migration of genotype D1.3 viruses from the UOF to both Ohio and Missouri.

The CFIA’s stamping out policy aims to protect human health, animal health, and international trade access

Canada’s animal health status is an essential element of agricultural exports and the national economy.Our stamping out policy for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) plays a critical role in animal disease control and preparedness.Under the stamping out policy, all of the birds on infected and exposed premises are depopulated. There is no post detection testing of exposed birds to exclude individual birds to exclude them from depopulation.

The application of the stamping out policy for this farm has been upheld by the Federal Court of Canada and the Federal Court of Appeal and is supported by scientific evidence.

Our disease response aims to protect both public and animal health, as well as minimize impacts on the $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy. This supports Canadian families and poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in exports.

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https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2025/09/update-on-canadian-food-inspection-agency-operations-and-custody-of-ostriches-at-edgewood-bc.html

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Update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s ongoing custody of ostriches at Edgewood, British Columbia


From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Statement


October 1, 2025 – As ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to have custody of the birds at the British Columbia ostrich farm. There is ongoing veterinary oversight.

Veterinary care being provided

CFIA veterinarians have assessed one compromised animal and treatment is being provided. At the request of one of the owners, CFIA veterinarians allowed him to visit the bird with them. Based on CFIA veterinarians’ assessment and information provided by the owners, the bird has a preexisting chronic condition affecting its left leg that was being treated by the owners for some time.

The farm owners have not provided the CFIA with information about their current veterinarian of record who may have previously examined the bird and provided treatment recommendations. If requested, the CFIA will authorize a licensed private veterinarian acting on behalf of the farm to examine the bird.

The CFIA has also identified another bird with a preexisting foot injury. This bird is active and moving with the other birds and feeding well. No treatment is being administered as it is not currently required.

The other birds are continuing to be fed and watered with no signs of agitation or stress related to CFIA inspectors as care givers. As requested by the farm, the CFIA will continue to use feed from the farm’s regular supplier.

Reminder for individuals in the vicinity of the ostrich farm

As the farm remains under CFIA control, individuals are reminded that subsection 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act which makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations. Any such actions may result in enforcement measures or prosecution.

The CFIA is aware of on-line campaigns encouraging supporters of the ostrich farm to deliberately tie up the Agency’s phone lines and resources by falsely requesting inspection services. Such disruptive actions are not only irresponsible, but they risk significantly hindering the CFIA’s ability to respond promptly to genuine calls. This interference could delay critical services that protect Canadians’ food safety, plant health and animal health.

Stamping out and eradication measures protect the national economy

Our disease response aims to protect both public and animal health, as well as minimize impacts on the $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy. This supports Canadian families and poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in exports.

Canada’s animal health status is an essential element of agricultural exports and the national economy.Our stamping out policy plays a critical role in animal disease control and preparedness.

For the latest information, please visit Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on British Columbia Ostrich Farm (BC-IP223)

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https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2025/09/update-on-canadian-food-inspection-agencys-ongoing-custody-of-ostriches-at-edgewood-british-columbia.html

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Update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s ongoing custody of ostriches and biocontainment practices at Edgewood, British Columbia


From: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Statement

October 4, 2025 – As ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to have custody of the birds at the British Columbia ostrich farm.

Compliance with the stay issued by the Supreme Court of Canada stay order

The CFIA has respected and will continue to respect all orders and decisions of the courts throughout the legal process.

On September 24, the SCC ordered that the CFIA maintain custody of the birds that are subject to the Notice to Dispose and the applicant (Universal Ostrich Farms) shall not interfere with the respondent’s custody of the birds pending the decision on the stay motion and the application for leave to appeal.

The SCC did not order the CFIA to stop any other operations or preparations at the ostrich farm.

Ongoing veterinary oversight

The CFIA had been administering medication and electrolyte fluids consistent with the therapy regime provided by the owners to one compromised bird with a chronic pre-existing condition that was affecting its left leg and its mobility. Based on CFIA veterinarians’ assessment and information provided by the owners, the bird had a previous injury and a pre-existing chronic condition that was being treated by the owners for some time.

Unfortunately, the health of the bird significantly declined in the last 48 hours, and it died on October 4, 2025.

Biocontainment and the use of personal protective equipment

CFIA inspectors, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) members and third-party contractors are not required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the ostrich farm property unless they are entering designated “hot” zones related to the quarantine.

Any individuals entering the designated zones have worn PPE or have been thoroughly disinfected upon exit. All equipment is also disinfected when leaving designated zones.

The public may see CFIA inspectors or contractors working in coveralls or regular clothes on the premises. In those situations, they are working outside of the designated zones. This is consistent with good biosecurity practices.

Reminder for individuals about obstruction of CFIA inspectors

As the farm remains under CFIA control, individuals are reminded that subsection 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations. Any such actions may result in enforcement measures or prosecution.

Also, Transport Canada has published a notice pursuant to Section 5.1 Aeronautics Act that the airspace above the ostrich farm location is restricted. The restriction includes Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) (drones) and aircraft. Offences under the Aeronautics Act may result in administrative monetary penalties, fines or imprisonment.

...

https://www.canada.ca/en/food-inspection-agency/news/2025/10/update-on-canadian-food-inspection-agencys-ongoing-custody-of-ostriches-and-biocontainment-practices-at-edgewood-british-columbia.html

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BC SPCA statement on ongoing activities at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C.

October 7, 2025

The BC SPCA’s vision is to see all animals and people thriving together, this includes companion, farmed and wild animals in British Columbia. The death of any animal always weighs heavy on the hearts of BC SPCA staff. We know how hard a situation like this can be on the animals and the community who has cared for them and wish to extend our sympathies to all involved.

Recently, a statement from the Coexisting with Wild Animals section of the BC SPCA’s website has been circulating on social media. This statement speaks to the organization’s authority to intervene in situations involving a legally permitted cull of free-living wildlife, however that same authority does not apply to disease management situations in a farm environment as this falls under federal jurisdiction and is overseen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA.)

The BC SPCA is not a government agency, nor is it funded by any level of government for animal protection investigations. BC SPCA animal protection officers are granted authority under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act to investigate and take action against concerns related to animal cruelty. However, authority granted under the PCA Act does not allow the BC SPCA to intervene or influence decisions in disease management situations or to stop a legally permitted cull. There is no evidence currently before the BC SPCA that would justify an investigation of distress pursuant to the PCA Act related to ongoing activities or planned cull at the Universal Ostrich Farm.

A key part of the BC SPCA’s work in support of vulnerable animals across the province is to identify opportunities where the organization can influence systems change and address the root causes of animal suffering in our society. The BC SPCA advocates at all levels of government for stronger laws and regulations to support higher farmed animal welfare standards and for regulations around the keeping or farming of exotic animals. More information about how the BC SPCA advocates on behalf of animals can be found here.

The BC SPCA continues to field a significant volume of inquiries related to the Universal Ostrich Farm from concerned animal lovers across North America. Please note that BC SPCA staff, including Animal Helpline operators and animal centre teams, cannot provide more information about the situation at Universal Ostrich Farm.

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https://spca.bc.ca/news/bc-spca-statement-on-ongoing-activities-at-universal-ostrich-farm-in-edgewood-b-c/

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Update on Canadian Food Inspection Agency's ongoing custody of ostriches and conditions at the Edgewood, BC farm

October 10, 2025 – As ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to have custody of the birds at the British Columbia ostrich farm.

Updated estimate on the number of birds at the farm

The CFIA has now completed a second estimate on the number of birds on the farm. The estimated number remains between 300 and 330.

As reported on October 4, 2025, one bird died on that date. This bird had preexisting health conditions that were present before the CFIA began operations at the ostrich farm. While the CFIA administered medications and all electrolytes provided by the farm owners, the bird did not survive.

There have been no other bird deaths and the CFIA has never removed any living or dead birds from the ostrich farm including since it began its operation on September 22, 2025. The CFIA is aware that the farm has reported various numbers in court documents and in public. Information about the discrepancy between the current estimate and previous claims of higher numbers by the farm has not been provided to the CFIA.

CFIA veterinary oversight and private veterinarian visit

There is ongoing CFIA veterinary oversight to monitor the condition of the flock. CFIA veterinarians have observed several birds with compromised mobility and this is consistent with reports from the owners.

On October 6, 2025, the farm's private veterinarian visited the premises and examined one older bird. Medication was administered by the private veterinarian, but a written treatment plan and prescription were not issued. The private veterinarian did note that he had no concerns about the feed and water access being provided to the flock or the birds' general welfare.

Conditions at the farm

While providing feed and water and monitoring the condition of the ostriches, CFIA inspectors have observed inadequate farm management practices, including:

• Animal bones, presumably from ostriches, scattered at various locations at the farm.
• Broken fences and gates.
• Garbage and debris throughout the quarantine area. One bird was tangled in twine when the CFIA took custody of the birds, and another bird subsequently had plastic caught on its foot. Those two incidents have been resolved.

Reminder for individuals about obstruction of CFIA inspectors

As the farm remains under CFIA control, individuals are reminded that subsection 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations. Any such actions may result in enforcement measures or prosecution.

Also, Transport Canada has published a notice pursuant to Section 5.1 Aeronautics Act that the airspace above the ostrich farm location is restricted. The restriction includes Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) (drones) and aircraft. Offences under the Aeronautics Act may result in administrative monetary penalties, fines or imprisonment.

Date modified: 2025-10-10

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/avian-influenza/latest-bird-flu-situation/update-2025-10-10