The ostrich farm in Edgewood, B.C., faced significant expenses totaling close to $7 million during a contentious culling operation last year, as disclosed by federal authorities. Approximately 300 ostriches were culled at Universal Ostrich farm due to the detection of highly pathogenic avian flu within the flock, despite vocal opposition from supporters and appeals by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Conservative MP Scott Anderson, representing the Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee riding, obtained information revealing that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spent over $3.8 million on policing the operation. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), responsible for ordering and executing the cull, incurred almost $1.6 million in costs, including expenses for disposing of the birds and cybersecurity measures.
The majority of the RCMP’s expenses, exceeding $2 million, were attributed to personnel costs. Anderson criticized the high costs involved in the operation, emphasizing the disruption caused to farmers and the community. The CFIA defended its stamping-out policy as necessary for preventing the spread of avian flu and safeguarding Canada’s food security.
Legal costs related to the cull, reported to be around $1.38 million, were detailed by the Justice Department. The Universal Ostrich farm’s legal battles to stop the cull, which drew international attention, culminated in a fine upheld by the Agricultural Review Tribunal for failing to report avian flu symptoms promptly.
Despite ongoing challenges by the farm, the courts upheld the CFIA’s decision to order the cull, deeming it procedurally fair. The completion of the cull was confirmed by the CFIA, marking the end of a highly debated and costly operation.