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Universal Ostrich Farm Urges Scientific Review Before Unjustified Culling of Healthy Birds
Edgewood, BC – June 2, 2025
Response to Friday’s CFIA release
Key Messages:
- Only 2 of more than 400 ostriches were tested by CFIA 6 months ago.
- The ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm are healthy and have shown no signs of illness for over 4 months.
- Our farm implemented quarantine measures immediately and voluntarily, prior to CFIA orders, demonstrating responsible stewardship.
- Our farm is located in a remote, isolated area—an ideal natural quarantine zone far from large population centres.
- The ostriches have developed natural antibodies and represent a unique opportunity for scientific study and therapeutic development.
- These genetically curated birds may hold the key to producing antibodies and treatments for H5N1.
- The CFIA was provided with a detailed business case and strategic plan outlining the scientific and medical potential of the flock.
- The farm is troubled by CFIA’s public statements suggesting they were unaware of these plans.
- No live bird testing has been permitted by CFIA since the initial postmortem tests, despite repeated requests from the farm.
- The farm has been threatened with fines of up to $200,000 or imprisonment for independently testing the birds.
- There is no evidence that culling these healthy animals will protect human or animal health.
- Public health authorities in the United States have called for a halt to the cull and offered to collaborate.
- Universal Ostrich Farm is calling for independent testing to verify the health of the flock and prevent unnecessary destruction.
“Our family has raised these animals with care and responsibility,” said Katie Pasitney, spokesperson for the farm. “We are not opposed to public health measures—but we are deeply concerned that the current approach lacks transparency, scientific rigour, and compassion.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (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. 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.
Importantly, Universal Ostrich Farm implemented quarantine measures immediately and voluntarily upon observing signs of illness—well before any CFIA orders were issued. The farm is located in a remote area with no nearby poultry operations, making it an ideal natural quarantine zone.
Beyond the immediate concerns of animal welfare, the farm emphasizes the scientific importance of the flock. The ostriches have developed natural antibodies to H5N1 and represent a rare and valuable opportunity for research. These birds have been genetically curated over decades and may hold the key to developing treatments or therapeutics for avian influenza.
Our farm 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,” said Pasitney. “We made every effort to communicate the scientific value of this flock.”
Independent experts, including immunologists and virologists, have submitted affidavits supporting the farm’s position. “We believe science should guide policy—not be excluded from it,” said Pasitney.
Our farm has also received support from U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and organizations willing to accept the birds or collaborate on further study. “If our largest trading partner is open to cooperation, we must ask why our own agency is not,” Pasitney added.
Universal Ostrich Farm is not seeking to avoid regulation—it is asking for due process, scientific investigation, and humane treatment of animals. “We are stewards of these birds,” said Pasitney. “We have a legal and moral duty to care for them. We are simply asking for the opportunity to fulfill that duty.”
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. “Let’s study the birds. Let’s lead with science, not fear,” said Pasitney. “Because if exposure alone becomes a death sentence, every outdoor farm in Canada is at risk.”
Media Contact:
Katie Pasitney
Spokesperson, Eldest Daughter, Universal Ostrich Farm
1-250-870-8246
