Residents Oppose Avian Flu Cull Amid Ongoing Farm Dispute

Residents near the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., are expressing significant frustration as the farm battles an avian flu cull order imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The cull, which began following positive tests for avian flu last December, has led to the death of 69 ostriches, while nearly 400 remain at the farm. Neighbours claim the situation has created turmoil in their community, feeling overlooked by local officials as they navigate the ongoing crisis.

Many residents, including Kelley Soroka, have voiced their concerns about the potential risks the farm poses to their own livestock. “The valley is in quite a turmoil,” she remarked last week, highlighting the emotional and economic strain the situation has placed on the community. Protesters from across British Columbia have gathered in support of the farm, further polarizing local sentiments.

Farm Maintains Flock’s Health

Despite the cull order, the farm’s spokesperson, Katie Pasitney, asserts that the remaining ostriches are healthy and safe. “We have had no illness and no deaths on our farm for 223 days. They are thriving. Our herd of ostriches is a living vault of immunity,” she stated. The farm is adamantly fighting to protect its remaining birds, challenging the necessity of the cull.

Conversely, neighbouring farmers, such as Jim and Millie McFarlane, worry about the implications for their own cattle operations. “So, when fall comes and we ship our cattle to market, is that going to be a factor in the price that we get for our cattle?” Millie questioned, emphasizing a growing uncertainty among livestock owners in the area. Pasitney responded by suggesting that concerns over cattle pricing are unfounded and unrelated to the farm’s situation.

Political Reactions and Community Frustrations

The community’s frustrations have also been directed at their elected representatives. Scott Anderson, the Conservative MP for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee, recently issued a statement expressing disappointment with the CFIA’s refusal to consider alternatives to the cull. He described the agency’s approach as “stubborn” and called for more engagement with experts in the field.

Local residents, such as Randy Donselaar, feel that Anderson has not adequately represented their concerns. “He is not representing the voice of our community… either he’s blind to that or he doesn’t care,” Donselaar remarked, reflecting a sentiment of disconnection between the community and their political representatives.

The situation has attracted attention beyond Canada, notably from U.S. television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, who has offered to relocate the ostriches to his ranch in Florida. While Oz’s involvement has garnered media coverage, local residents like Soroka express discomfort with external influences in their community’s affairs. “It really bothers me that the Americans are involved,” she stated, underscoring the complexities of the situation.

As the controversy continues, local residents describe the unfolding events as more than just about the ostriches. Debra Pion, a long-term resident, noted, “It’s become very political, and the birds are just a non-issue right now.” The discourse has shifted toward larger themes of government intervention and public health policy.

In response to concerns regarding public health, the CFIA maintains that despite the current health of the ostriches, they could still pose a risk. The agency has stated, “It increases the risk of reassortment or mutation of the virus… particularly with birds raised in open pasture where there is ongoing exposure to wildlife.” The CFIA’s mandate includes safeguarding both animal and human health, which complicates the ongoing legal and public debates surrounding the cull.

As of now, following a Federal Appeal Court order on August 21, 2023, the CFIA retains the authority to destroy the remaining ostrich herd at any time, leaving the future of both the farm and the surrounding community hanging in the balance. The community’s outcry continues, as they seek clarity and representation amidst a challenging and uncertain situation.