October 22, 2025 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has respected, and will continue to respect, all orders and decisions of the courts throughout the ostrich farm legal process.
The CFIA's warrants for the three ostrich farm properties, which were served on September 22, 2025, remain in effect.
As ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada, the CFIA continues to have custody of the birds while a decision on the farm's application for leave to appeal is being considered.
The CFIA continues to provide feed, water and bedding with CFIA veterinary oversight. Preparations for the care of the ostriches during the winter season are being implemented by the CFIA based on the owners' description of past practices, but are limited by the poor condition of the few facilities on the farm.
Pending the Supreme Court of Canada's decision, the CFIA is authorized to remain at the three specified properties for as long as necessary to complete the search, seizure and disposal of animals and things specified in the notice to dispose issued to the farm owners.
CFIA's estimated number of birds on the farm remains unchanged
The CFIA estimates there are between 300 and 330 birds on the farm.
Given the frequent movement of the birds and visual obstructions on a large site with various structures and forested areas, determining a more specific count relying on visual images from drones or telephoto lenses would be challenging.
The CFIA began its operations at the farm on September 22, 2025, and since then:
- 1 bird died of a pre-existing condition on October 4, 2025, despite the administration of medications and all electrolytes provided by the farm owners;
- 0 birds have been euthanized by the CFIA;
- 0 live birds have been removed the farm by the CFIA; and
- 0 dead birds have been removed from the farm by the CFIA.
The CFIA is using disposal bins on site to manage waste from its daily operations on the farm. Those bins are taken off-site for transfer to waste management facilities. The material being removed from the premises includes the garbage from meals eaten on site, Tyvek suits and other personal protection equipment that has been disinfected, and packaging from supplies used on site. The bins have not been used to remove dead ostriches or ostrich body parts.
The farm owners have not provided the CFIA with flock information
As the farm owners have not responded to the Agency's requests for flock records or inventory information, the CFIA is unable to determine whether the difference between the current estimated number of birds on the farm and previous claims by the farm are the result of the flock being overreported or the number of deaths since December 2024 being underreported.
In previous court affidavits, the owners have stated that they had about 450 birds before the 2024 disease outbreak on the farm. However, in a September 22, 2025, affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court of Canada, one owner stated that they had approximately 420 birds before the outbreak.
In various affidavits, the owners have stated that the original flock size has been reduced by:
- 69 birds dead during the initial HPAI outbreak;
- 1 or 2 dead from isolated age-related issues;
- 3 dead from ice related injuries;
- 1 dead after running into a fence fleeing from a presumed predator;
- 1 shot dead by unknown person; and
- 1 shot dead, possibly by a drone.
Reminder for individuals about obstruction of CFIA inspectors
As the farm remains under CFIA control, individuals are reminded that subsection 35(1) of the Health of Animals Act makes it an offence to obstruct or hinder an analyst, inspector or officer who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the regulations. Any such actions may result in enforcement measures or prosecution.
Four individuals have been arrested under Section 35(1) after the CFIA began its current on-farm operations on September 22, 2025.
Also, Transport Canada has published a notice pursuant to Section 5.1 Aeronautics Act that the airspace above the ostrich farm location is restricted. The restriction includes Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) (drones) and aircraft. Offences under the Aeronautics Act may result in administrative monetary penalties, fines or imprisonment.