January 16,2026
RED FM News Desk
The Canada Agricultural Review Tribunal has upheld a $10,000 fine against a B.C. ostrich farm for failing to report sick and dying birds before an avian influenza outbreak was confirmed. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says it learned of the illness through an anonymous tip in December 2024, not from the farm, despite signs consistent with avian flu and rising deaths among the flock.
The farm argued it believed the birds had a non-reportable illness and had tried to contact veterinarians, but the tribunal found the owners were negligent under the Health of Animals Act and failed to use the CFIA’s reporting system. The outbreak was confirmed through testing, and a cull was ordered shortly afterward. While the violation was not deemed intentional, the tribunal said it posed a serious risk to animal and human health.
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