The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has imposed a $20,000 fine on a British Columbia ostrich farm for non-compliance with avian flu prevention measures. The owners of Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood are resisting a cull order, prompting ongoing planning by the agency to proceed with the cull despite protests aimed at blocking the action.

CFIA officials reported that the farm has failed to provide evidence supporting claims of scientific research regarding the ostriches. The agency has issued two violation notices against the farm for not reporting illnesses and deaths within the flock last year, as well as for not adhering to quarantine orders.

Additionally, the owners did not implement necessary biosecurity measures. These include restricting access for wild birds to the ostriches and managing water flow from the quarantine area. Such oversights have been deemed to "significantly increase" the risk of disease transmission, indicating a serious disregard for established animal health standards.

Katie Pasitney, whose parents own the farm, expressed uncertainty about the implications of the fines, stating, "I’m not sure whether the fines are a new move by the CFIA, but nothing surprises me at this point."

The CFIA continues to monitor the situation closely as it prepares for the potential cull, which remains a contentious issue amid rising tensions between the agency and the farm's owners.