A BC ostrich farm's refusal to cull birds during an avian flu outbreak led to a $6.8M government cull to protect Canada’s poultry industry and trade commitments.

A British Columbia ostrich farm’s refusal to euthanize its flock after an avian influenza outbreak triggered a government cull costing $6.8 million. The farm was fined $10,000, while a U.S. billionaire covered the owners’ legal fees. The birds were euthanized in early 2026 to protect Canada’s $6.8 billion poultry industry and $1 billion in annual exports, with officials warning inaction could have violated trade agreements and caused wider disease spread. Health reporter André Picard said the expense was necessary to prevent far greater economic and public health risks.