Federal officials have disclosed that the total costs for a contentious cull at an ostrich farm in Edgewood, B.C., last year reached close to $7 million. The cull, which involved the euthanization of around 300 ostriches at Universal Ostrich farm due to the detection of highly pathogenic avian flu, faced opposition from supporters and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Despite protests, the operation proceeded, leading to significant expenditures.
Conservative MP Scott Anderson, representing the area where the farm is located, obtained information showing that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spent more than $3.8 million on policing the cull. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), responsible for ordering and executing the cull, incurred expenditures of nearly $1.6 million. This included costs for disposal of the birds and cybersecurity measures due to threats against CFIA personnel.
The bulk of the RCMP’s expenses, exceeding $2 million, was attributed to personnel costs. Anderson criticized the costs incurred, questioning the CFIA’s rationale for the cull, which disrupted the community and drew widespread attention. The CFIA defended its stamping-out policy, emphasizing the importance of preventing virus spread and mutations to safeguard Canada’s food security.
Legal costs related to the cull, as per the Justice Department, amounted to around $1.38 million, covering litigation services. Universal Ostrich farm faced legal challenges to halt the cull, which culminated in a $10,000 fine for failing to promptly report avian flu symptoms. Despite the farm’s efforts, courts upheld the CFIA’s decision to proceed with the cull, deeming it fair.
The controversy surrounding the ostrich cull attracted international focus, with ongoing legal battles and public outcry over the handling of the situation. The CFIA confirmed the completion of the cull, emphasizing the necessity of their containment measures for public health and food safety.