The Supreme Court has declined to consider an appeal from Universal Ostrich Farms Inc. of British Columbia, so a flock of almost 300 ostriches will be euthanized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The farm appealed the CFIA euthanization order issued last winter after a member of the flock was infected by highly-pathogenic avian influanza.
Millions of Canadian chickens have been euthanized to prevent the disease from spreading.
The farm filed a series of appeals, drew attention and support from high-profile people including United States Health Secretary R.F. Kennedy Jr., but lost when judges agreed that because 69 birds in the flock died of the disease, the CFIA orders are justified.
Since Oct. 1, 19 flocks in British Columbia have been euthanized, six in Alberta, five in Saskatchewan, five in Manitoba, five in Quebec and one in Wellington County, Ont.
