Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Canada Culls 314 Ostriches Amid Bird Flu Fears, Owner Claims Conspiracy
On a farm in Canada, many ostriches got sick with a bird flu.
The government decided that all 314 ostriches had to be killed to stop the sickness from spreading.
This is a common step when a dangerous animal sickness is found.
However, the farm's owner believes the government didn't kill the ostriches because of the bird flu.
She claims the government caused the sickness on purpose.
The owner says her ostriches were very special because they could help make medicine for sicknesses like COVID-19 and the flu.
She thinks the government wanted to stop her research.
The owner says the ostriches' eggs could create helpers called antibodies to fight these sicknesses.
She described the killing as a 'war zone' and felt it was unnecessary.
The government agency confirmed the bird flu was present and followed rules for stopping diseases.
They have not responded to the owner's specific claims about stopping research.
314 ostriches were shot dead on a farm in British Columbia, Canada.
Canadian authorities confirmed the ostriches had the H5N1 bird flu virus.
The farm owner alleges the outbreak was government-induced to stop their research on antibody treatments for COVID-19 and H1N1.
The owner claims ostriches naturally produce antibodies that are effective against viruses, with research focused on COVID-19 and H1N1.
Legal attempts by the farm owners to prevent the culling were unsuccessful after Canada's Federal Court of Appeal refused their plea.
- Who
- Universal Ostrich Farms owners (Katie Pasitney, Karen Espersen) and Canadian authorities (Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA)
- What
- 314 ostriches were shot dead on a farm due to a confirmed H5N1 bird flu outbreak.
- When
- The culling was carried out on November 6, following reports of ostrich deaths received by the CFIA in December.
- Where
- British Columbia, Canada
- Why
- Authorities stated it was due to a confirmed H5N1 virus outbreak to prevent its spread. The farm owner alleges the outbreak was deliberately induced by the government to stop their research into antibody treatments for COVID-19 and H1N1.
Owner's Allegations
Official Stance
Reason for Culling
Owner's Allegations
The ostriches were killed due to a government-induced influenza outbreak designed to stop their successful research on antibody treatments for viruses like COVID-19 and H1N1. The owner claims the government feared their therapeutic antibodies being released.
Official Stance
The ostriches were culled because the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed at least two birds carried the H5N1 virus, adhering to standard protocols for controlling highly pathogenic avian influenza and mitigating risks to animal and human health and trade.
Nature of Ostriches' Capabilities
Owner's Allegations
Ostriches naturally produce antibodies effective against major viruses, capable of neutralizing nearly all coronavirus particles, with research focused on developing nasal sprays and face masks.
Official Stance
No specific details were provided by the authorities regarding the ostriches' alleged medical research capabilities; the focus was solely on the presence of the H5N1 virus.
Handling of the Outbreak
Owner's Allegations
The outbreak was deliberately induced, and the government chose execution over less harmful alternatives like quarantine and monitoring.
Official Stance
The CFIA stated that response activities, including culling, followed standard protocols for controlling avian influenza outbreaks due to confirmed H5N1 cases and associated risks.
- Number of Ostriches Killed
- 314
- Location
- British Columbia, Canada
- Official Reason for Culling
- Confirmed H5N1 (Bird Flu) virus
- Owner's Alleged Reason for Culling
- Government-induced outbreak to halt medical research on antibody treatments
- Owner's Research Focus
- Antibody treatments for COVID-19 and H1N1 using ostrich egg yolks, aiming for nasal sprays and face masks
- Legal Action
- Farm owners sought a court appeal to prevent culling and request more testing, but it was refused by Canada's Federal Court of Appeal.
- Date of Culling
- November 6
