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Canada’s food safety authority stated it plans to begin a “complete depopulation” of hundreds of these large birds at a farm after the highest judicial body declined to halt the disputed eradication.

Judicial Obstacles Cleared by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed all legal impediment to starting the killings.

Universal Ostrich Farms, located near the town of Edgewood, was initially directed in the month of May to cull close to 400 ostriches, due to fears of an outbreak of avian influenza.

Just days ago, officials seized control of the operation.

Sixty-nine birds have already died after the emergence of a influenza-like sickness.

On Wednesday, the nation’s top court issued an temporary halt on the eradication directive as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Political and Public Reactions

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering post-pandemic skepticism – have inspired protesters to gather at the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on online platforms.

The situation has also penetrated the nation’s political sphere.

In early October, the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, was asked repeatedly by reporters whether he backed the demonstrators.

The Conservative figure has steered clear of making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his party voicing opposition against the slaughter.

He told the press the issue had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word “ostrich”.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of high-profile individuals from the US have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary proposed to relocate the birds to his ranch in Florida.

An US billionaire has also pleaded with the authorities to reverse its eradication directive.

Scientific and Ethical Debates

The national authorities said the relevant agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to limit the spread of bird flu, a move consistent with wider guidance from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to perform further testing on the animals to verify they are carrying the virus.

The farm owners said that because the last bird flu death occurred on 15 January 2025, with the remaining birds appearing healthy or recovered, the group has developed at least some level of immunity against H5N1.

They have also expressed skepticism on the extent and reliability of the tests on the birds.

Ranch Spokesperson Response

Recently, the ranch representative, told the media that the agency was killing healthy birds.

“They are prehistoric animals that have endured millions of years, but they will not endure the Canadian Food Inspection Agency,” she said.

A co-owner expressed he was “afraid there’s – in my opinion – there’s no fairness left”.

Court and Authority Findings

A national court, however, found that allowing the birds to stay alive could result in the transmission of avian influenza to different species, the poultry industry – or to people.

The authority has not announced at what time it expects to start slaughtering the birds.

Eradication Procedures

An older guideline document, acquired under freedom of information laws, states the birds can be euthanized by various methods, the preferred being injection, which needs three people: one to hold the ostrich by restraining it, another to secure the head, and one to inject the drug.

Staff can also use gas or break the birds’ necks.

Members of the agency can only use firearms on the birds in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on the premises.

Latest Developments

According to media sources, soon after the court ruling, inspection agents started installing more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the back of the bird enclosure.