Transparency Denied: What’s Really Happening with the BC Ostriches?

Transparency Denied: What’s Really Happening with the BC Ostriches?

The BC Ostrich Cull – A Call for Transparency
Why is the government not telling Canadians the full story about the BC ostrich cull?
We deserve transparency on why nearly 400 healthy birds are still set to be killed.

Here’s what we know:

A farm in BC had an avian flu outbreak starting in late 2024, and by December and January, 69 ostriches died.

The CFIA then ordered the cull of all 400 birds.

The farm, supported by RFK Jr., argues the birds have recovered, shedding is unlikely to last a year, and they pose no threat to the Canadian poultry trade. They asked for independent testing, but lost in court — though the Supreme Court has paused the cull for now.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says culling the birds is needed to stop spread to animals or humans, following international guidelines, and to protect Canada’s poultry trade from restrictions.

Canadians aren’t asking for special treatment — we’re asking for transparency.
The public deserves to know the full facts: what the real risks are, what science supports the decision to destroy these birds, and how keeping this recovered flock alive would actually affect Canada’s ability to sell poultry abroad.

If the government truly believes that these ostriches pose a threat to our trade or to public health, then it should be able to clearly explain how — with evidence, not secrecy.
Until then, the lack of clarity only undermines public trust.

At the heart of this issue is something bigger than one farm — it’s about accountability, honesty, and the right of Canadians to know the truth about decisions made in their name.

— Written by Dr. Leslyn Lewis, Member of Parliament for Haldimand–Norfolk