Last week, Dr. Oz made a plea to the Canadian government to reconsider a court ruling regarding ostriches.
He, along with Health and Human Services Director Robert Kennedy Jr. and New York City supermarket owner John Catsimatidis, rallied to protect these large birds. Despite an infection, the ostriches weren’t slaughtered because there’s a belief they might have valuable information that could benefit other birds—and possibly humans, too.
“What if they hold a key to helping not just birds but people as well?” Dr. Mehmet Oz reflected during his appearance on Catsimatidis’s radio show.
This recent twist in the ongoing situation arises following a ruling from Canadian courts that permitted a national food testing agency to cull hundreds of ostriches to combat the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. The matter is now being appealed to Canada’s Supreme Court.
Oz questioned how it was that some birds had survived such a serious disease, hinting at potential learnings. “There’s something here. It seems logical for the U.S. and Canada to collaborate on this,” he noted, emphasizing the research possibilities. Oz, a cardiac surgeon often referred to as “American Doctor,” feels this could be a significant opportunity for both countries.
He expressed his desire to see the ostriches relocated to the U.S., even going so far as to offer sanctuary for them at a ranch in Florida.
It’s akin to what a truly inquisitive mind would do, Oz suggested, tying it back to his Make America Healthy Again movement.
He raised the question of whether we could learn from these birds, asserting that indeed, the answer is yes.
Catsimatidis shared that his love for animals motivated him to engage in this cause, while RFK Jr. brought a scientific perspective to support Oz’s argument.
Reports from Canadian media indicate that 69 birds died at an ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, during December and January.
While farmers claim the remaining flock is healthy, the food testing agency insists culling is essential to prevent possible mutations and spread of disease.
Canada faces the challenge of safeguarding against avian flu to maintain the confidence of its trading partners.
While Oz acknowledged the concerns posed by the Canadian government, he argued that the ostrich situation is exceptional and cautioned against closing the door on valuable research opportunities.
Universal Ostrich Farm, which manages the flock, has reached out to the Supreme Court of Canada for a further stay on the cull.
