As ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to have custody of the birds at the British Columbia ostrich farm. There is ongoing veterinary oversight.
CFIA veterinarians have assessed one compromised animal and treatment is being provided. At the request of one of the owners, CFIA veterinarians allowed him to visit the bird with them. Based on CFIA veterinarians' assessment and information provided by the owners, the bird has a preexisting chronic condition affecting its left leg that was being treated by the owners for some time.
The farm owners have not provided the CFIA with information about their current veterinarian of record who may have previously examined the bird and provided treatment recommendations. If requested, the CFIA will authorize a licensed private veterinarian acting on behalf of the farm to examine the bird.
The CFIA has also identified another bird with a pre-existing foot injury. This bird is active and moving with the other birds and feeding well. No treatment is being administered as it is not currently required.
The other birds are continuing to be fed and watered with no signs of agitation or stress related to CFIA inspectors as care givers. As requested by the farm, the CFIA will continue to use feed from the farm's regular supplier.
Reminder for individuals in the vicinity of the ostrich farm
As the farm remains under CFIA control, individuals are reminded that subsection 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act which makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations. Any such actions may result in enforcement measures or prosecution.
The CFIA is aware of on-line campaigns encouraging supporters of the ostrich farm to deliberately tie up the Agency's phone lines and resources by falsely requesting inspection services. Such disruptive actions are not only irresponsible, but they risk significantly hindering the CFIA's ability to respond promptly to genuine calls. This interference could delay critical services that protect Canadians' food safety, plant health and animal health.
Stamping out and eradication measures protect the national economy
Our disease response aims to protect both public and animal health, as well as minimize impacts on the $6.8 billion domestic poultry industry, and the Canadian economy. This supports Canadian families and poultry farmers whose livelihoods depend on maintaining international market access for $1.75 billion in exports.
Canada's animal health status is an essential element of agricultural exports and the national economy. Our stamping out policy plays a critical role in animal disease control and preparedness.
For the latest information, please visit Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on British Columbia Ostrich Farm (BC-IP223)
