EDGEWOOD, British Columbia — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has raised concerns about potential health risks due to the ongoing delay in culling ostriches at a farm in southeastern British Columbia. The agency stated that it will continue to provide feed to the birds under veterinary supervision, using supplies from Universal Ostrich Farms' regular suppliers.

Currently, the CFIA estimates that there are between 300 and 330 ostriches on the farm, with efforts underway to obtain a more accurate count. The agency has also reported identifying one ostrich with health issues, although it did not specify the nature of the problem.

The cull was initially ordered following an outbreak of avian influenza at the farm. However, the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms have contested the cull, arguing that the surviving birds are healthy and hold scientific value.

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court of Canada granted a last-minute stay of the cull, providing a temporary reprieve for the ostriches. The CFIA confirmed that a laboratory in Winnipeg isolated the virus responsible for the outbreak and conducted complete genome sequencing.

The agency noted that the identified virus is a novel reassortment not previously seen in Canada. It includes a genotype linked to a human infection in a poultry worker in Ohio. The CFIA's statement highlighted that this particular H5N1 genotype has increased pathogenicity, meaning even small amounts of the virus could be lethal. Laboratory tests indicated that mice exposed to low doses of the virus experienced rapid mortality within four to five days.

In comparison, a different genotype, B3.13, which originated from a dairy cow in the United States, resulted in death within three to six days but required significantly higher doses to do so. The CFIA continues to monitor the situation closely as it poses risks to both animal and human health.