Federal officials have disclosed that the total costs associated with a controversial cull at an ostrich farm in Edgewood, B.C., last year were close to $7 million. The cull, which involved the euthanization of about 300 ostriches due to the detection of highly pathogenic avian flu, faced opposition from supporters and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Conservative MP Scott Anderson, representing the area where the farm is located, revealed that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spent over $3.8 million on policing the operation. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), responsible for ordering and executing the cull, incurred costs of nearly $1.6 million. This included expenses for bird disposal, cybersecurity, and office security due to threats against CFIA personnel.
The bulk of the RCMP’s expenditures, totaling over $2 million, was attributed to personnel costs. Anderson criticized the high costs associated with the operation and questioned the CFIA’s justification, noting the disruption caused to farmers and the community of Edgewood.
Legal costs related to the cull, as reported by the Justice Department, amounted to approximately $1.38 million for litigation services. Despite international attention and legal challenges, the CFIA’s decision to cull the ostriches was upheld by courts, emphasizing the importance of public health and food security.
The Agricultural Review Tribunal upheld a $10,000 fine against the farm for failing to report avian flu symptoms promptly. The cull operation was completed with the CFIA confirming the eradication of the ostrich population at the farm.