Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asks Canada’s health authorities to reconsider B.C. ostrich cull
U.S. health authorities, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have expressed concerns about a potential Canadian decision to cull hundreds of ostriches in rural British Columbia.
U.S. health authorities, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have expressed concerns about a potential Canadian decision to cull hundreds of ostriches in rural British Columbia and are urging the government to explore alternative solutions.
The controversy dates back to last winter when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency ordered a full cull of hundreds of ostriches located at Universal Ostrich Farms just outside of Edgewood, British Columbia after two birds tested positive for avian flu. At that time, the CFIA argued the cull was necessary to prevent avian flu from mutating and spreading. The two principal farm owners, Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, contested the directive, citing low mortality rates and signs of natural immunity within the flock.
