Dr. Oz Appeals to Canada to Save Ostriches from Cull Order
Dr. Mehmet Oz is urging the Canadian government to reconsider a recent court ruling that allows for the culling of 400 ostriches amid concerns over avian flu. The ruling, issued last week, permits the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to proceed with the extermination of the birds, which had previously been infected with the H5N1 strain of the virus. Oz, known as “America’s Doctor,” is advocating for the ostriches to be studied instead of killed, citing their survival as a potential key to understanding avian flu.
Speaking on the radio program “Cats Roundtable” hosted by John Catsimatidis, Oz emphasized the importance of examining these birds. “Maybe they’ve got secrets that can help other birds and, more importantly, humans,” he stated. The call for action comes in the wake of a December 2023 incident where 69 ostriches died on a farm in Edgewood, British Columbia. According to Canadian media reports, the remaining flock is now healthy, but the CFIA insists that culling is necessary to prevent any further spread of the disease, which could pose risks to both local and international poultry markets.
Oz’s appeal has garnered support from notable figures, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and Catsimatidis, who identified as animal lovers. Oz has proposed that the ostriches be relocated to his ranch in Florida, where he could ensure their safety. “A curious person would say, ‘Can we learn from these birds?’ The answer is yes,” he remarked, pushing for a collaborative research effort between the United States and Canada.
The issue has escalated, with Universal Ostrich Farms, the owner of the flock, applying to the Supreme Court of Canada for a stay on the cull. The farm argues that the current herd is unique and that research could yield significant insights into avian health and disease prevention. Oz acknowledged the Canadian government’s concerns about avian flu but stressed that the situation with these specific ostriches warrants a different approach.
“Authorities shouldn’t foreclose research on these birds that could lead to a possible solution to help the whole world,” he added. As the case is set to be appealed in Canada’s highest court, the future of the ostriches remains uncertain, but advocates like Oz are determined to find a solution that preserves both the birds’ lives and the potential for scientific advancement.
