Victims, Not Vectors: CFIA Ostrich Cull Ignores Real H5N1 Risks
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recently ordered the cull of an entire ostrich flock at Universal Ostrich Farms in B.C. after H5N1 was detected — even though the source of contamination was likely wild migratory birds, not the ostriches themselves.
As Pam Killeen explains, these birds are victims, not vectors, and the policy ignores upstream environmental risks.
New research from California shows H5N1 can be found in air and wastewater from industrial livestock operations, indicating that factory farms may aerosolize and recycle disease, creating environmental reservoirs that small farms inadvertently encounter. Despite evidence of natural immunity among surviving ostriches, CFIA policy mandates killing all birds on exposed sites, putting healthy animals at unnecessary risk.
Killeen argues that a smarter, science-based policy would target the real sources: contaminated air, manure lagoons and industrial waste streams. Testing, environmental controls, and accountability should come before destroying healthy animals. Until these sources are addressed, culling small farms accomplishes little for public health — while devastating independent operations that feed local communities.
Read the full report by Pam Killeen HERE
Pam Killeen is a health coach, podcaster, and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book “The Great Bird Flu Hoax” (2006).
Petition to stop the cull
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