OTTAWA - A British Columbia ostrich farm has lost its appeal to stop the culling of its flock due to avian flu. The Federal Court of Appeal ruled against Universal Ostrich Farms, which sought to prevent the culling of approximately 400 infected birds.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency had ordered the cull as part of its "stamping out" policy, which mandates the killing of infected poultry to control the spread of disease. The court found that the agency's actions were reasonable and that the criteria for implementing this policy were met in this case.

The decision has sparked concern among U.S. officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who opposed the cull. The court acknowledged the emotional and financial toll the culling would have on the farmers, stating that it would be "doubtless very difficult" for them.

However, the court emphasized that it does not have the authority to grant exemptions from government policies. The ruling underscores the challenges faced by farmers dealing with avian flu outbreaks and the measures taken to protect public health.