BC Ostrich Farm Fined $10K by Tribunal for Not Reporting Avian Influenza Symptoms

Ostriches eat their feed at the Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C., on May 17, 2025. The Canadian Press/Aaron Hemens

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.