Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal has upheld a Canadian Food Inspection Agency order allowing the destruction of nearly 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. The birds were quarantined after testing positive for the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian-influenza virus in December 2024; several dozen died, but the remaining flock has shown no signs of illness for more than 220 days. The CFIA argues culling is necessary to prevent possible mutation or reassortment of the virus, noting that ostriches kept on open pasture can transmit avian influenza to wildlife and potentially to humans. The agency has not disclosed when it will carry out the “stamping-out” order, citing operational security. Farm owners and their supporters say the birds have developed virus-neutralising antibodies that could aid future research. Dr. Mehmet Oz, now head of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and New York grocery magnate John Catsimatidis are urging Ottawa to spare the flock and permit scientific study in the United States, calling the ostriches a “living vault of immunity.” With their legal options narrowed, the farm is seeking an emergency stay and exploring a Supreme Court appeal. Unless a political compromise emerges, the CFIA can proceed with the cull at any time.