Universal Ostrich Farms
Universal Ostrich Farms is located in the remote town of Edgewood, British Columbia, in the heart of the Kootenays. For over three decades, the farm has been home to more than 400 ostriches, raised in a naturally quarantined environment by experienced farmers Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski.
What Happened?
On December 10, 2024, a three-year-old ostrich showed pneumonia-like symptoms. Although it recovered, some younger ostriches became ill, resulting in 69 deaths out of 468 ostriches over 36 days. The remaining ostriches fully recovered, and as of January 15, 2025, no further illnesses have occurred.
Despite the recovery, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) conducted tests on dead ostriches and issued a cull order for all 400 healthy ostriches by February 1, 2025.
The Legal Battle
On January 31, 2025, Federal Judge Justice Michael Battista ruled to stay the cull order, granting the farmers time to seek a judicial review. However, the CFIA has appealed this decision and continues to impose strict quarantine measures.
What's at Stake
These ostriches are not just pets - they represent 30+ years of research into natural antibodies and immune systems. The farm collaborates with researchers from Kyoto University and Boston, studying how ostrich antibodies could revolutionize disease research.
"My mom always said these ostriches would do something amazing for humanity one day. Maybe that time is now." - Katie Pasitney