Canada

They're waiting for a supreme court decision at the moment and the fact this made it to the supreme Court says it's not black and white.

Farms occasionally have leeway in how they manage avian flu, however, this may be a new strain that can cross over to people. Not that bird flu hasn't been fucking terrible for bird populations over the last years, too. Toronto used to have crows.

According to the farm, only two dead ostriches were tested and the CFIA agents refused to test any live birds. Based on those tests, the farm is being ordered to destroy their entire live flock.

They tried to get an exemption because of the ostriches rare genomes and scientific merit, but since ostrich farming is new, all the applicable forms were for poultry and the CFIA wouldn't make allowances. It looks more like a beurocratic mess than crazy farmers denying science.

If the cull were carried out, it would likely shut down the farm because their creditors will sieze any insurance money they get paid. And, this isn't a meat farm, it's a research farm. They're probably trying to save the birds they can because it's their only route to staying in business.

I can't speak to why they've garnered support from convoy people, but apparently animal rights groups and locals have joined their cause as well. I would like to know how the Tyee knows the majority of their supporters are convoy people.