Tribunal Confirms $10,000 Fine for B.C. Ostrich Farm’s Avian Flu Violation

The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has upheld a fine of $10,000 against Universal Ostrich Farms for failing to promptly report an outbreak of avian influenza. The farm, located in Edgewood, British Columbia, did not notify authorities for nearly three weeks after the virus was detected, despite its deadly impact on the flock.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) imposed the fine after the outbreak in late 2024, which resulted in the deaths of 69 birds. The CFIA became aware of the situation following an anonymous tip to a “sick bird line” on December 28, 2024. H5N1, commonly known as avian flu, is classified as a reportable disease due to its potential risks to both animal and human health.

In a case that garnered significant media attention throughout 2025, the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms, Dave Bilinski and Karen Espersen, fought against an order to cull the remaining ostriches—approximately 300 in total. Despite several unsuccessful appeals, the culling was carried out in November 2025, with professional marksmen involved in what the CFIA deemed the most humane option.

The tribunal’s decision, released on December 11, 2025, highlighted the farm’s delay in reporting the outbreak as a critical violation of the Health of Animals Act. The tribunal determined that a veterinary inspector should have been notified immediately after the initial signs of illness were observed in the flock.

According to a CFIA veterinarian, the symptoms noted by the owners included lethargy, watery eyes, and social withdrawal among the birds. Despite this, Bilinski expressed skepticism, attributing similar symptoms to a past infection known as “pseudomonas” encountered in 2020.

The tribunal’s decision-maker, Emily Crocco, stated that the observable symptoms should have prompted a more urgent response. She indicated that the owners’ attempts to consult a veterinarian over the Christmas holidays were insufficient, as the vets contacted were not qualified as inspectors. In her ruling, Crocco emphasized that the failure to report the illness posed a risk of “serious or widespread harm to human, animal or plant health or the environment.”

The tribunal found that the fine of $10,000 was appropriate, categorizing the violation as “very serious.” The ramifications of the outbreak serve as a reminder of the critical importance of swift reporting in managing animal health crises.

The case has raised awareness about the implications of avian flu outbreaks and the necessity for compliance with health regulations to protect both livestock and public health. The incident recalls earlier outbreaks, such as the 1997 H5N1 strain spread from poultry to humans in Hong Kong, which resulted in multiple fatalities. As the agricultural community continues to navigate these challenges, adherence to reporting protocols remains crucial.