The Truth Behind the Ostrich Cull in British Columbia: Science, Research, and Controversy
- Jason
- May 21
- 11 min read
In late 2024, a small ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, became the center of a heated public health debate. Universal Ostrich Farms Inc., owned by Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, faced a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) order to cull nearly 400 ostriches due to an H5N1 avian flu outbreak. The decision sparked protests, garnered international attention, and raised questions about the balance between public health measures and the potential loss of valuable scientific research. This article dives into the truth about the situation, exploring the science, the people involved, the research at stake, and the concerns raised by both the farm owners and health officials.
The Outbreak and the CFIA’s Response
In December 2024, the CFIA received an anonymous tip about dead ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms. Testing confirmed that two deceased birds, left outside for over 16 hours, were positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. By mid-January, 69 ostriches had died from the virus. The CFIA issued a cull order for the remaining flock of approximately 400 birds, citing the need to prevent the spread of avian flu, which has killed over 8.7 million birds across British Columbia since 2022.
The CFIA’s “stamping out” policy mandates the depopulation of all domestic birds on infected premises to curb the spread of avian influenza, a virus with a mortality rate of up to 52% in humans and significant implications for Canada’s poultry industry and international trade. The agency emphasized that allowing exposed birds to remain alive poses a persistent risk, as H5N1 can mutate and potentially infect mammals, including humans. A notable case in British Columbia involved a 13-year-old girl who contracted H5N1, requiring weeks in intensive care, underscoring the virus’s threat.
Health officials, backed by Federal Court Justice Russell Zinn’s ruling on May 13, 2025, argue that the CFIA’s actions are reasonable and procedurally fair. Zinn noted that courts should defer to specialized agencies like the CFIA for complex scientific decisions, as avian flu’s potential to devastate agriculture and public health necessitates swift action. The CFIA also pointed out that the farm failed to report symptomatic birds promptly and allowed scavengers access to infected carcasses, increasing the risk of further spread.
The Farm Owners: A Fight for Their Flock
Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, along with their daughter Katie Pasitney, have run Universal Ostrich Farms for over 25 years, cultivating a unique herd of ostriches valued at up to $3,000 per bird. The family argues that the surviving ostriches, which have shown no signs of illness since January 15, 2025, have developed herd immunity and are critical for research. They claim the cull is unnecessary, as the farm’s remote location—135 kilometers from Vernon and far from commercial poultry operations—poses minimal risk to public health or other farms.
The owners are devastated by the prospect of losing their flock, which they describe as “happy, healthy, and laying eggs.” Pasitney has been vocal, stating, “Our animals are a living research laboratory,” and believes their survival could offer solutions for the poultry industry. The family’s emotional connection to the birds, some of whom they’ve raised for decades, is palpable, with Pasitney tearfully vowing to document any cull on video for public awareness. The farm has garnered significant support, raising over $86,000 from more than 750 donors to cover legal fees, with dozens of supporters camping out to protest the cull.
The Research: Ostrich Antibodies and Scientific Potential
At the heart of the farm’s defense is its collaboration with Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a veterinary professor and president of Kyoto Prefectural University, known as “Dr. Ostrich.” Tsukamoto has been studying ostrich antibodies for decades, focusing on their potential to neutralize viruses like COVID-19 and H5N1. His work with Universal Ostrich involves extracting antibodies from ostrich eggs, which could lead to treatments for infectious diseases or even hair-regrowth products, as seen with the Ostrigen company’s OstriGrow. The farm argues that their ostriches’ unique genetics make them irreplaceable for this research, which could benefit both animal and human health.
However, the CFIA and some experts question the validity of these claims. The agency noted that the farm failed to provide sufficient documentation to support an exemption based on research value. Furthermore, there’s no peer-reviewed evidence that ostrich antibodies can effectively combat avian flu or other diseases in practical applications. Critics, including the CFIA, argue that the farm’s research claims may be overstated, and the risk of keeping infected birds outweighs unproven scientific benefits.
The Scientists and Experts Involved
The farm presented expert reports from Dr. Steven Pelech and Dr. Byram Bridle, both vocal critics of COVID-19 vaccines and public health measures. Pelech, a University of British Columbia professor, argued that the ostriches’ apparent recovery suggests they are not a transmission risk and could serve as a research model due to their robust immune systems. Bridle claimed the CFIA’s testing was insufficient to confirm a highly pathogenic strain. However, the CFIA dismissed their reports, noting that both scientists’ “herd immunity” thesis lacks mainstream scientific support and that their expertise has been criticized in other legal proceedings for advocacy over evidence.
On the other side, the CFIA relied on its own veterinary experts, emphasizing the agency’s long history of regulating ostriches and its mandate to protect public health. Dr. Scott Weese from the University of Guelph also weighed in, stating that culling the ostriches would not eradicate H5N1, given its widespread presence, but acknowledged that culls are a precautionary measure to limit viral spread.
The Controversy: Public Outcry and Political Support
The cull order has drawn significant attention, amplified by figures like U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who called it “horrifying,” and Conservative MP Scott Anderson, who visited the farm and offered to mediate between scientists and the CFIA. B.C. Premier David Eby expressed frustration with the CFIA’s lack of case-by-case flexibility, while three independent provincial MLAs and the Regional District of Central Kootenay have called for further testing before the cull proceeds.
The Truth: Balancing Science and Emotion
The truth lies in the tension between precaution and potential. Health officials, backed by the CFIA and court rulings, prioritize the proven risk of H5N1, which has devastated B.C.’s poultry industry and infected humans. Their stance is grounded in decades of epidemiological practice: culling exposed flocks minimizes the chance of viral mutation and spread, protecting both agriculture and public health. The CFIA’s refusal to allow further testing reflects their view that the farm’s biosecurity lapses and the virus’s presence justify immediate action.
Conversely, the farm’s owners and supporters highlight the ostriches’ potential research value and apparent recovery, arguing that a one-size-fits-all policy overlooks their unique case. While their collaboration with Dr. Tsukamoto is promising, the lack of concrete evidence supporting ostrich antibodies’ efficacy weakens their case in the eyes of regulators. The emotional toll on Espersen, Bilinski, and Pasitney is undeniable, but public health officials argue that sentiment cannot override the broader risks.
Conclusion
The Universal Ostrich Farms saga is a complex clash of science, policy, and passion. The CFIA’s cull order, upheld by the courts, reflects a cautious approach to a deadly virus, prioritizing public and agricultural safety. While the farm’s research into ostrich antibodies holds potential, it remains speculative without rigorous validation. The owners’ fight to save their flock is heartfelt, but health officials maintain that the risks of avian flu outweigh unproven benefits. As supporters gather in Edgewood and the CFIA prepares to act, this case underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with the urgent demands of disease control.
For more information on avian flu and CFIA policies, visit inspection.canada.ca. To support Universal Ostrich Farms’ legal fund, check their “Save Our Ostriches” campaign online.
Key Points
The ostrich cull in British Columbia is controversial, with health officials prioritizing public safety and farm owners advocating for research potential.
Research suggests ostrich antibodies could fight diseases like avian flu, but evidence is limited and debated.
The CFIA ordered the cull due to H5N1 risks, while owners argue their birds are healthy and valuable for science.
Scientists like Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto are involved, but their claims face scrutiny from health experts.
The Situation in British Columbia
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) ordered a cull of nearly 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., after detecting H5N1 avian flu in December 2024. By January 2025, 69 birds had died, and the CFIA aims to prevent further spread, citing risks to poultry and human health, especially given a case of a 13-year-old girl needing intensive care after contracting the virus. The federal court upheld this decision in April 2025, emphasizing public safety.
Farm Owners' Concerns
Karen Espersen, Dave Bilinski, and their daughter Katie Pasitney argue the surviving ostriches, showing no illness since January 15, 2025, have herd immunity and are crucial for research. They describe the birds as “happy, healthy, and laying eggs,” and fear losing a decades-long legacy, raising over $86,000 in legal fees with public support, including protests at the farm.
Research and Scientists Involved
The farm collaborates with Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, known as “Dr. Ostrich,” who studies ostrich antibodies for potential treatments against diseases like COVID-19 and H5N1, even exploring hair regrowth. However, critics, including the CFIA, note a lack of peer-reviewed evidence, and other scientists like Dr. Steven Pelech and Dr. Byram Bridle support the farm, though their credibility is questioned for advocacy over evidence.
Health Officials' Stance
The CFIA insists the cull is necessary, highlighting biosecurity lapses like open enclosures and delayed reporting, which could spread the virus. They argue the risks outweigh unproven research benefits, backed by experts like Dr. Scott Weese, who sees culls as precautionary despite not eradicating H5N1 entirely.
For more details, visit the CFIA’s website inspection.canada.ca or the farm’s campaign Save Our Ostriches.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of the Ostrich Cull in British Columbia
This note provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing controversy surrounding the ostrich cull at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, British Columbia, ordered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) due to an H5N1 avian flu outbreak. The situation, unfolding since December 2024, has sparked significant debate, involving farm owners, scientists, health officials, and the public, with legal battles and protests highlighting the tension between public health measures and scientific research potential. This analysis, current as of 10:40 AM MDT on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, aims to present all facets of the issue, ensuring a balanced and detailed perspective.
Background and Timeline
The controversy began in December 2024 when the CFIA received reports of sick ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms, located 100 kilometers southeast of Vernon in Edgewood, B.C. Testing confirmed H5N1 avian influenza, a highly pathogenic strain, with 69 ostriches dying by January 2025. The CFIA issued a cull order for the remaining nearly 400 birds, citing their “stamping out” policy to prevent viral spread, which has already killed over 8.7 million birds in B.C. since 2022. This policy is part of a broader effort to protect Canada’s poultry industry and international trade, especially given a local case of a 13-year-old girl requiring intensive care after contracting H5N1, highlighting human health risks.
The farm owners, Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, along with their daughter Katie Pasitney, challenged the order, leading to a federal court ruling on April 2025 by Justice Russell Zinn, upholding the CFIA’s decision as reasonable and procedurally fair. The court ordered the farm to pay $15,000 in legal costs to the CFIA, and compensation for each ostrich is set at up to $3,000, though the exact timing of the cull remains undisclosed publicly as of May 21, 2025.
Farm Owners’ Perspective and Concerns
Universal Ostrich Farms, operational for over 25 years, has bred ostriches since the 1990s, creating a unique herd valued at up to $3,000 per bird. The owners argue that the surviving ostriches, showing no signs of illness since January 15, 2025, have developed herd immunity, making the cull unnecessary. They emphasize the farm’s remote location, 135 kilometers from Vernon, suggesting minimal risk to other poultry operations.
The emotional toll is evident, with Pasitney describing the birds as “happy, healthy, and laying eggs,” and vowing to document any cull on video for public awareness. The family sees their flock as a “living research laboratory,” believing their survival could offer insights into fighting avian flu and other diseases. Financially, they’ve raised over $86,000 from more than 750 donors to cover legal fees, with supporters camping out at the farm and holding rallies, including over 200 protesters noted in recent reports. The Regional District of Central Kootenay and three independent provincial MLAs have called for further testing, reflecting local opposition, with the district refusing to accept carcasses, complicating logistics.
Lab Research and Scientific Involvement
Central to the farm’s defense is their collaboration with Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a veterinary professor at Kyoto Prefectural University, nicknamed “Dr. Ostrich.” Tsukamoto has studied ostrich antibodies for decades, focusing on extracting them from eggs for potential treatments against viruses like COVID-19 and H5N1, as well as hair regrowth products like OstriGrow by Ostrigen. His work, including past collaborations with Immune Biosolutions in 2021, stopped due to ownership changes, but he continues to see potential in ostrich antibodies for infectious disease research.
However, the CFIA and critics, including Dr. Annelise Botes from Stellenbosch University, question the efficacy, noting a lack of peer-reviewed evidence supporting these claims. The farm also presented reports from Dr. Steven Pelech, a University of British Columbia professor, and Dr. Byram Bridle, both known for critiquing public health measures like COVID-19 vaccines. Pelech argues the ostriches’ recovery suggests they’re not a transmission risk and could serve as a research model, while Bridle claims the CFIA’s testing was insufficient. Yet, the CFIA dismissed these, citing their advocacy over evidence, with both scientists’ credibility questioned in other legal contexts.
On the CFIA side, experts like Dr. Scott Weese from the University of Guelph acknowledge culls as precautionary, noting they won’t eradicate H5N1 given its widespread presence but are necessary to limit spread. This scientific divide underscores the controversy, with the farm’s research potential seen as speculative by regulators.
Health Officials’ Stance and Rationale
The CFIA’s position, backed by the court, is rooted in public health and agricultural safety. They highlight biosecurity issues at the farm, such as open-air enclosures, proximity to wildlife, and quarantine lapses, including delayed reporting of symptomatic birds and allowing scavengers access to infected carcasses, increasing spread risks. The agency’s mandate under the Health of Animals Act is to prevent avian flu outbreaks, especially given its 52% mortality rate in humans and impact on trade. They argue that keeping exposed birds alive poses a persistent risk of mutation, potentially infecting mammals, and dismiss the farm’s research claims for lacking documentation to justify an exemption.
B.C. Premier David Eby has expressed frustration with the CFIA’s lack of flexibility, calling for case-by-case consideration, but respects the court’s jurisdiction. The CFIA plans to begin humane depopulation, with dates not publicly shared as of May 21, 2025, amid ongoing protests and legal challenges.
Public and Political Reaction
The cull has drawn international attention, with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling it “horrifying” on a New York radio show, and Conservative MP Scott Anderson visiting the farm to mediate. Public outcry includes monetary donations, rallies, and social media campaigns, with the farm’s “Save Our Ostriches” page Save Our Ostriches gaining traction. However, some, like a volunteer with Unmask the Right, note involvement of convoy supporters and far-right groups, framing it as government overreach, with extreme rhetoric online, such as calls to “cull CFIA employees.” This polarization reflects broader debates, with critics arguing the narrative oversimplifies a complex public health issue.
Analysis and Conclusion
The Universal Ostrich Farms situation encapsulates a clash between precaution and potential. Health officials, supported by epidemiological practice, lean toward culling to minimize H5N1 risks, given its devastating impact on B.C.’s poultry industry and human cases. The CFIA’s stance is backed by court rulings, emphasizing biosecurity lapses and viral risks. Conversely, the farm owners and supporters highlight the ostriches’ apparent recovery and research value, particularly with Dr. Tsukamoto’s work, though the lack of concrete evidence weakens their case. The emotional and financial investment of Espersen, Bilinski, and Pasitney is palpable, but regulators argue sentiment cannot override broader risks.
As of May 21, 2025, with supporters gathered in Edgewood and the CFIA preparing to act, this case underscores the challenge of balancing innovation with disease control. For further reading, visit the CFIA’s site inspection.canada.ca or explore the farm’s campaign Save Our Ostriches.
Tables for Clarity
Below is a summary table of key stakeholders and their positions:
Stakeholder | Position |
CFIA | Supports cull to prevent H5N1 spread, cites biosecurity lapses. |
Farm Owners (Espersen, Bilinski, Pasitney) | Oppose cull, argue birds are healthy, valuable for research. |
Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto | Advocates for ostrich antibody research, potential for disease treatment. |
Dr. Steven Pelech, Dr. Byram Bridle | Support farm, question CFIA testing, criticized for advocacy. |
Dr. Scott Weese | Supports cull as precautionary, acknowledges limited impact on eradication. |
Public and Political Figures | Mixed, with protests, donations, and calls for flexibility from Eby, Kennedy Jr. |
And a timeline for reference:
Date | Event |
December 2024 | H5N1 detected, CFIA orders cull of nearly 400 ostriches. |
January 2025 | 69 ostriches die, no further deaths reported since. |
April 2025 | Federal court upholds CFIA’s cull order. |
May 21, 2025 | Ongoing protests, CFIA plans humane depopulation. |
Key Citations
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