09/23/2025
🚨BC SPCA statement on ongoing activities at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C.
Since 2004, British Columbia has seen ongoing concerns related to avian influenza outbreaks, particularly on poultry farms. Avian influenza, also known as “bird flu,” is a viral infection that spreads easily and quickly among both farmed and wild birds but can also be spread to people and other animals. As there is currently no treatment for infected birds, farmed animals are euthanized when flocks are confirmed to be infected to reduce animal suffering and prevent the risk of further disease transmission.
In disease control cases, such as the one involving the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, the authority and jurisdiction to make decisions falls under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The BC SPCA does not have any authority to intervene or influence the decision-making process where avian influenza is a factor, nor does it have the authority to prevent a legally permitted cull from happening.
In situations where an animal is suffering from a mental or physical illness that cannot be treated, or an illness that poses a serious public health or public safety concern, euthanasia may be an appropriate action. In these situations, the BC SPCA believes the methods used to euthanize any animal must be humane and ensure that fear, pain and anxiety are kept to minimal levels prior to and during killing. Details of the BC SPCA’s position statement on humane killing can be found through the link below.
The BC SPCA recognizes the negative impact of euthanasia for disease control purposes on the animals, farmers, and the community. The organization actively advocates for changes to wildlife and farmed animal management efforts that protect animal health and welfare to reduce the spread of avian influenza to avoid the need for euthanasia in the future.
Anyone with concerns related to the activities at the Universal Ostrich Farm are encouraged to reach out to CFIA directly.
Since 2004, British Columbia has seen ongoing concerns related to avian influenza outbreaks, particularly on poultry farms. Avian influenza, also known as “bird flu,” is a viral infection that spreads easily and quickly among both farmed and wild birds but can also be spread to people and other ...
