Affluent grocery tycoon takes a daring step to rescue Oly, Hal, and their team in an unusual dispute over a giant avian entity
The Universal Ostrich Farm (UOF) in Edgewood, British Columbia, finds itself at the centre of a heated debate, as the Canadian government orders the culling of over 400 ostriches due to an avian flu outbreak late last year. The farm's owners, Katie Pasitney and her family, have been contesting this decision, arguing that the surviving ostriches are immune and could contribute to important antibody research.
Katie Pasitney, who has grown up with the ostriches and considers them part of her family, names each one individually, such as Regretta, Q-Tip, Frank, Betsy, Bernie, Troy, and Connor. The distinctive creatures, known for their long necks, towering at 9 feet high, and fast running speed of up to 45 miles per hour, possess unique personalities, according to Pasitney.
The trouble on the farm started in mid-December when 69 ostriches died from what was believed to be the H5N1 virus, or bird flu. However, the ostriches on the farm are not near any major cities, poultry facilities, or have stopped trading with different countries, which raises questions about the source of the outbreak.
Officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tested two dead birds and the results came back positive for the H5N1 or HPAI virus, leading to the farm being put under quarantine. Despite their concerns about public health and safety, the CFIA has not been present on the farm for four-and-a-half months.
John Catsimatidis, a New York billionaire and supermarket mogul, has taken up the cause to prevent the slaughter of these rare ostriches. He has been lobbying the Canadian government for seven months, citing an 'urgent humanitarian appeal regarding the ostriches'. Catsimatidis has even written a personal letter to the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, but as of early August, the second page of his letter has not been responded to, and he is yet to hear back from the PM's office.
Catsimatidis has brought in Dr. Mehmet Oz and Robert Kennedy Jr. to help with his mission to save the ostriches. The U.S. government has also offered to test the ostriches to determine if they pose any threat before being slaughtered. If the farm goes against the quarantine rules and conducts any of their own testing, they will be fined $200,000 per bird and could face up to six months in jail, per animal.
The ostriches remain at the farm pending a final court ruling on the cull. The Federal Court of Appeal heard arguments in the case on July 15, and a verdict is pending, which has been emotionally taxing for Pasitney and her family. Local residents have expressed concern about the farm’s management and potential risks, but farm representatives dispute these claims, stating the allegations are "hearsay and false" and maintain the farm is well managed.
In summary, the ostriches at the Universal Ostrich Farm remain at the centre of a legal and community tensions around biosecurity and animal welfare, with their potential for antibody research adding a unique dimension to the debate. The future of these fascinating creatures hangs in the balance as the court deliberates.
- The health and wellness of the ostriches on the Universal Ostrich Farm, despite the avian flu outbreak, sparks interest in potential antibody research.
- Notably, John Catsimatidis, a renowned businessman, has been advocating for the preservation of these ostriches, citing their potential medical benefits and the loss of a unique species.
- The debate surrounding the farm's ostriches extends beyond health matters, encompassing allegations of biosecurity breaches and mismanagement, as well as concerns related to science and the potential benefits of their medical conditions.
