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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Friday it has eradicated the ostrich population at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia.
The announcement came a day later after Supreme Court of Canada refused to consider the appeal to save the flock at Universal's ostrich farm, where avian flu was discovered last December.
In a statement, the CFIA said that after consulting with experts, it concluded that “the most appropriate and humane option is to use professional shooters in a controlled on-farm environment.”
“All depopulation activities were completed under the veterinary supervision of the CFIA,” the agency said.
- For a full account of the story that unfolded at Universal Ostrich Farms after the nation's highest court refused to hear the farm's appeal, read the CBC News live coverage here.
The CFIA ordered the destruction of the farm's birds after avian influenza was discovered in the flock last December, killing 70 birds.
The CFIA estimates that there were between 300 and 330 ostriches on the farm before the culling.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Friday it has eradicated the ostrich population at a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. The cull was ordered after avian influenza was discovered in the flock last December, killing 70 birds.
The months-long saga has sparked debate over alleged government abuses and mistrust of government agencies, as well as mandates used to contain viruses.
The farm's owners said there was no need for culling because the flock was healthy and had “herd immunity,” making it valuable for scientific research, and called for the birds to be retested for infection.
The CFIA said ostriches that appear healthy could still be a potential source of the virus, and maintaining a herd increases the risk of dangerous mutation of the virus, especially if the birds are exposed to wildlife.
The fight set off a lengthy legal battle that ended Thursday morning when the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear the farm owners' final appeal.
Supporters of the farm expressed their grief Friday morning.
A post on a Facebook account believed to belong to the farm's owner, Karen Espersen, said there were “no words that could describe” how she and the farm's supporters felt.
“Rest in peace my feathered friends,” the message reads. “This is a sad day for Canada.”
The RCMP said they will remain on site at the request of the CFIA while the agency continues “disposal” and “demobilization.”
Police said there were no injuries or arrests during the “dynamic portion of the CFIA operation.”
Edgewood resident Brian Ewings told CBC News he thought it was unfortunate that the cull happened, but was glad a decision was made.
He said most residents he spoke to felt the cull “needed to be done” but said it had “divided” the community.
“Things will go back to normal, but there will continue to be animosity among some people, and it will certainly continue among some people,” Ewings said.
