Decision Maker: Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Petition Text:
The 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, B.C., survived avian flu and may hold antibodies to protect poultry farms and lower grocery prices. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) plans to cull them, as upheld by a Federal Court on May 13, 2025. We urge you to stop this cull and fund urgent research.
These ostriches, linked to Kyoto Prefectural University’s antibody research, could:
Save billions in poultry losses (U.S. egg production fell 4% in January 2025).

Stabilize egg prices for Canadians.

Lead Canada in biotech against H5N1’s zoonotic threat.

We request:
A 180-day cull suspension for antibody testing under quarantine.

Funding for a Canadian university-led study with Kyoto researchers.

CFIA protocols balancing biosecurity with innovation.

Redirect the cull’s ~$500,000 cost to research that saves farmers. Act now to secure our food systems.
Sign Now: #SaveTheOstriches