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British Columbia Ostrich Farm Situation
September 25, 2025
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and national poultry sectors have been responding to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections in Canada since December 2021. The scale of the current worldwide HPAI outbreak is unprecedented and continues to significantly impact Canada's poultry industry.
Depopulation for disease eradication and prevention of further spread is a process that is never undertaken lightly. It is a complex and difficult matter, and it is a decision that involves public health, animal health and welfare, and economic considerations.
The CFIA’s response to the situation follows the recommended guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health and international scientific consensus to protect against potential animal and public health consequences.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) acknowledges this is a distressing and emotional situation, and we empathize with animal owners, producers, animal health professionals, and communities across the country.
The CVMA is not a regulatory body and does not govern the practice of veterinary medicine. As the Government of Canada is the authority in this situation, those wishing to pursue this matter further should consult their Member of Parliament.