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Canada’s food inspection agency revealed it aims to initiate a “complete depopulation” of numerous ostriches at a farm after the country’s top court declined to halt the disputed eradication.

Legal Obstacles Removed by Court Ruling

On Thursday removed any legal barrier to beginning the slaughter.

Universal Ostrich Farms, situated near the town of Edgewood, British Columbia, was first ordered in May to eradicate almost four hundred birds, due to concerns of an outbreak of H5N1 avian flu.

Recently, authorities took over of the business.

Nearly seventy birds have previously perished after the outbreak of a flu-like illness.

On Wednesday, Canada’s supreme court issued an temporary halt on the cull order as it weighed whether to take up the matter.

Political and Public Responses

The escalating dispute over the birds – and a lingering distrust of government – have motivated protesters to descend on the farm, with many broadcasting their frustration on social media.

The situation has also entered the nation’s political sphere.

Earlier this fall, the opposition leader, the Tory leader, was asked twice by reporters whether he supported protesters.

The Conservative figure has avoided making direct statements on the matter, even though many within his party protesting against the cull.

He told reporters the situation had been poorly handled from the start but avoided mentioning the word the bird’s name.

International Involvement and Proposals

A number of prominent figures from the United States have lobbied Canadian officials.

The US health secretary offered to move the ostriches to his ranch in Florida.

An US billionaire has also appealed with the Canadian government to reverse its cull order.

Health and Moral Arguments

The Canadian federal government said the food inspection agency was adhering to a eradication approach in order to contain the spread of avian flu, a move in line with broader advice from international health bodies.

However, animal advocacy groups have urged the agency to conduct additional tests on the birds to verify they are infected.

The ranch operators claimed that because the last bird flu death occurred on January 15th, with the surviving majority appearing in good condition or recovered, the flock has developed at least partial herd immunity against H5N1.

They have also cast doubt on the extent and effectiveness of the tests on the birds.

Ranch Representative Response

Recently, the farm’s spokesperson, told the media that the authority was killing healthy birds.

“These are ancient creatures that have endured eons, but they won’t survive the government agency,” she stated.

A partner said he was concerned that there is no fairness left”.

Court and Authority Findings

A national court, however, determined that permitting the ostriches to stay alive could result in the transmission of bird flu to other animals, the poultry industry – or to humans.

The agency has not said when it expects to begin culling the birds.

Culling Procedures

An older agency manual, acquired under public access laws, says the birds can be euthanized by different means, the recommended being injection, which requires multiple individuals: one to hold the bird by restraining it, one to hold the head, and one to inject the drug.

Personnel can also use gas or neck dislocation.

Employees of the agency can only shoot the ostriches in extreme circumstances, if they have a trained shooter on site.

Recent Developments

According to media sources, soon after the court ruling, agency workers began setting up more equipment and flood lighting around a makeshift pen near the rear of the ostrich pen.