🔗 Share this article Authorities Proceeds with Full Eradication Strategy to Slaughter 400 Flightless Birds Canada’s food safety authority stated it intends to initiate a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of ostriches at a farm following the country’s top court refused to block the contentious cull. Legal Obstacles Removed by Supreme Court Decision Thursday’s ruling eliminated any judicial obstacle to beginning the culling. Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, was first ordered in May to eradicate close to 400 ostriches, due to concerns of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu. Just days ago, officials seized control of the operation. Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a influenza-like sickness. On Wednesday, the nation’s top court granted an temporary halt on the cull order as it considered whether to hear the case. Political and Societal Reactions The growing row over the ostriches – and a simmering distrust of government – have motivated demonstrators to descend on the farm, with many expressing their anger on online platforms. The situation has also penetrated Canada’s federal politics. Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, was questioned repeatedly by reporters whether he supported protesters. The Tory leader has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, despite many within his party protesting against the cull. He told the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”. International Involvement and Offers Several prominent figures from the US have petitioned authorities in Canada. The American health chief offered to move the ostriches to his property in the Sunshine State. An US wealthy businessman has also pleaded with the Canadian government to rescind its eradication directive. Health and Moral Arguments The national authorities said the food inspection agency was following a “stamping out” approach in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a step in line with broader guidance from global health organizations. However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform additional tests on the birds to verify they are infected. The farm owners said that because the most recent fatality occurred on January 15th, with the remaining birds appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has acquired at least partial herd immunity against H5N1. They have also cast doubt on the scope and reliability of testing on the ostriches. Farm Representative Response On Thursday, the ranch representative, informed the media that the agency was killing healthy birds. “They are ancient creatures that have endured millions of years, but they will not endure the government agency,” she stated. A co-owner said he was “afraid that there is no fairness left”. Judicial and Agency Findings A federal court, on the other hand, determined that allowing the ostriches to remain alive could result in the spread of avian influenza to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans. The authority has not announced when it expects to begin culling the ostriches. Eradication Methods A 2016 guideline document, obtained under public access laws, states the birds can be killed by various methods, the preferred being lethal injection, which needs three people: one to hold the bird by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug. Personnel can also use gas chambers or neck dislocation. Employees of the organization can only shoot the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a “skilled marksman” on site. Recent Updates As per reports, shortly after the judicial decision, agency workers started installing more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.