Canada’s Supreme Court upheld the cull of 300–330 ostriches after an avian flu outbreak, rejecting claims of herd immunity and scientific value.

Canada’s Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Universal Ostrich Farm, allowing the cull of 300 to 330 ostriches in British Columbia. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency ordered the cull after avian flu was detected, citing risks of virus spread despite the birds showing no symptoms. The decision upholds a legal standard requiring government actions to be reasonable and fact-based, rejecting claims of herd immunity and scientific value. The cull, carried out after a 10-month legal battle, drew protests and international attention, with critics calling it government overreach.