Mahaman to the Rescue?

Hundreds of healthy ostriches on small family farms in Canada are at risk of being culled unless U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. intervenes.

“What kind of thugs would kill nearly 400 animals that you’ve raised for 35 years?”

Karen Espersen and Dave Billinsky’s Universal Ostrich Farm in British Columbia has become a focal point in the battle over avian flu, government intervention, and farmers’ rights.

Maybe I’ll Cull

On December 19, 2024, the couple noticed one of their ostriches showing signs that resembled pneumonia. Fortunately, that bird recovered; however, 69 other ostriches, added to the farm since 2020, have succumbed to what appears to be bird flu.

A fortnight later, federal agents from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) arrived to test two deceased ostriches. Confirming avian flu, they issued a culling order for the remaining 399 birds.

This aligns with CFIA’s policy of purging bird populations where avian influenza is detected.

Nevertheless, Espersen and Billinsky contend that the disease incidence was not notably high, citing potential natural herd immunity. They claim the CFIA ignored their request to test the healthy birds.

Mission Maha

Lawyers for Universal Ostrich Farms argue that the CFIA lacks justification for the culling order, as the farm’s ostriches are not raised for meat. Rather, their genetics hold value for antibody research.

When Espersen and Billinsky conducted their own tests, local veterinarians determined that the cause of death was Pseudomonas, a bacteria commonly found in soil and water. In response, the CFIA issued a restriction preventing farm owners from conducting further tests under the threat of a $200,000 fine and up to six months in prison.

During this time, their daughter Katie Pasitney took on the role of spokesperson for the farm, reaching out to RFK Jr., who responded promptly to their situation. The Make America Healthy Again initiative has since contacted the CFIA, advocating for a scientific rather than political approach to the culling decision.

“We hope this collaboration will contribute to better protection for both human and animal populations and may lead to new vaccines and treatments,” Kennedy remarked.

Running Stay?

The letter seemed to influence Canadian Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, who expressed doubt about the culling decision. However, silence has followed since that announcement.

The standoff between the CFIA and the farm continues, attracting around 50 journalists and activists camping nearby to protest the culling.

Speaking recently, Pasitney mentioned they’re working to gather more prominent supporters to directly advocate for the farm.

“We reached out to Elon Musk, hoping to raise awareness about the magnitude of this issue.”

Pasitney noted that the number of supporters on the farm fluctuates, ranging from 50 during weekdays to over 100 on weekends.

“We even had over 200 people here last weekend… and many visitors enjoy taking pictures of these magnificent, prehistoric-like ostriches.”

Like a Thief at Night

According to Pasitney, communication with the CFIA has become increasingly limited.

“We’re not receiving direct updates from them anymore. No emails, just media releases sent out broadly,” she explained.

Regardless, the CFIA maintains a stern stance. A culling could happen at any moment.

“I can only imagine the shock and anxiety my family faces. We’re constantly on edge, not knowing if today will be the day they show up.”

But for Pasitney and her parents, this situation goes beyond personal loss.

The “stamp out” policy undermines not only farmers’ livelihoods but also disrupts natural immunity mechanisms in animal populations.

“We’re essentially erasing millions of years of natural herd immunity. Losing this innate immunity could put us on a path towards disastrous consequences down the line,” Pasitney warned.