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Tribunal upholds $10K fine for B.C. ostrich farm over failure to report sick birds
The tribunal ruled the farm was negligent under the Health of Animals Act, risking widespread harm by not reporting avian influenza in a 400-bird flock, fined $10,000.
- On Dec. 11, 2025 the Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal upheld a $10,000 fine against Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., with tribunal chairperson Emily Crocco issuing the decision.
- After an anonymous call to the CFIA Sick Bird Line on Dec. 28, 2024, the agency visited the farm on Dec. 30 and tested positive for H5 subtype on Dec. 31, 2024.
- Tribunal records show the owners, who 'purport to be experts in ostrich health and welfare,' reported symptoms like fatigue and watery eyes at least three weeks after deaths, with a CFIA veterinarian calling co-owner Dave Bilinski the same day the tip arrived.
- The CFIA issued a cull order on Dec. 31, 2024, after the outbreak killed 70 birds, prompting court challenges and social media campaigns from the farm.
- Under the Health of Animals Act, a person controlling animals must immediately notify the nearest veterinary inspector of reportable diseases; Emily Crocco wrote the violation 'could have led to serious or widespread harm to human or animal health' and was negligent though not intentional.
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Tribunal upholds $10K fine for B.C. ostrich farm over failure to report sick birds
The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has upheld a $10,000 fine handed to the British Columbia ostrich farm whose flock of more than 300 birds was culled last fall, nearly 11 months after the confirmation of an avian influenza outbreak.
·Canada
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BC Ostrich Farm Fined $10K by Tribunal for Not Reporting Avian Influenza Symptoms
The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has upheld a $10,000 fine against a B.C. ostrich farm for failing to report signs of avian flu among the birds. Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgemont, B.C., made headlines last year after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) issued a cull order for around 400 ostriches at the farm. The farm owners challenged the order in court, but were not successful, and the cull was completed in November 2025. The i…
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left20Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Left
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Left
80% Left
L 80%
C 16%
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