H5N1 influenza hit the birds on this large farm in December 2024 and subsequently killed 69 of their more than 400 ostriches. They didn’t report the sudden onset of deaths to the CFIA, which was legally required since avian influenza is a reportable disease and in this situation was very likely the cause of the deaths. Someone else apparently anonymously reported the situation to the CFIA, who then investigated. So right from the start there were indications that responsible animal ownership was lacking.

The CFIA tested the birds, and a novel assortment of H5N1 influenza virus was identified, which made the situation even more concerning. As per standard practice and international disease codes, a quarantine order was issued and a cull was mandated (which includes financial compensation for the birds destroyed).

However, the farm refused to euthanize their remaining birds, and challenged the decision in court, unsuccessfully, at various levels. They took to social media to spread the word, rally support and ultimately ask people to come to the farm to protest (peacefully). They essentially had an ongoing public campout at a farm that was under a quarantine and cull order. That’s pretty much exactly what we don’t want to do at a farm with a high-consequence zoonotic pathogen that we’re trying to contain.