B.C. ostrich farm calls for independent testing to prevent unnecessary destruction [Video]

The operators of a British Columbia ostrich flock that’s facing a cull order after an avian flu outbreak are calling for independent testing of the birds to prevent their “unnecessary destruction.”

Katie Pasitney, whose parents own Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., issued a statement on Monday, saying the nearly 400 ostriches are healthy and have shown no signs of illness for more than four months.

The statement says the flock poses no threat and should be tested for ongoing avian flu infections, saying the ostriches have acquired herd immunity to the virus and are a valuable scientific resource.

The statement is in response to a lengthy update from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Friday that said it had fined the farm $20,000 for failing to co-operate with anti-avian flu measures.