Dr. Oz Urges Protection for B.C. Ostriches Amid Culling Order

URGENT UPDATE: Celebrity doctor and U.S. health official Mehmet Oz is calling for immediate action to save a herd of 400 ostriches in Edgewood, B.C., facing a culling order from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) over bird flu concerns. Oz, speaking at a news conference on January 15, 2024, described the CFIA’s decision as a “slaughter” rooted in outdated regulations.

The call to action comes as the CFIA has mandated the culling of these ostriches, citing the need to prevent the spread of avian flu. However, Oz argues that the birds have survived potentially devastating infections and represent a vital opportunity for scientific research. He believes that studying these resilient birds could unlock critical insights into avian flu, which may help in future pandemics.

During a video appearance, Oz recounted the historical discovery of penicillin, emphasizing the importance of studying the ostriches instead of discarding them. He stated, “Throwing everything away is not the answer. These birds have secrets we can learn from.”

In an interview on his radio show, Oz proposed relocating the ostriches to the United States for research, reiterating his offer to house them at his Florida ranch. He stressed that cooperation between the U.S. and Canada is essential for advancing public health efforts.

Meanwhile, the owners of Universal Ostrich Farms are actively seeking to halt the cull, with their lawyer, Umar Sheikh, preparing an application for the Supreme Court of Canada. Sheikh plans to appeal the CFIA’s culling order, which has faced criticism from animal rights advocates and health officials alike.

“Every effort is being made to protect these birds,” Sheikh stated, indicating that the farm’s owners are hopeful the court will consider their case. He expressed concerns over the small percentage of cases the Supreme Court accepts, noting the challenging legal landscape ahead.

Amid this unfolding crisis, Katie Pasitney, co-owner’s daughter of Universal Ostrich Farms, has rallied supporters to protest against the culling. She emphasized the emotional attachment many have to these birds, urging local communities to come together for their protection.

The CFIA has yet to publicly respond to Dr. Oz’s proposal but is expected to address inquiries regarding the situation soon. As this story develops, the implications for public health, animal welfare, and international cooperation in health research remain significant.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the situation evolves in Edgewood, B.C. This urgent matter not only impacts the local community but also raises questions about how we address emerging health threats in our interconnected world.