Heartbreak on the Farm: BC Ostrich Ranch Loses Final Appeal Against Avian Flu Cull

A long-standing ostrich farm in British Columbia is facing the devastating end of its 30-year legacy after a federal court dismissed its final appeal against a government-mandated avian flu cull. Ray and Carol Koke, the heartbroken owners of the ostrich ranch, have fought tirelessly against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) order to depopulate their entire flock, arguing their birds were healthy and that the agency's testing protocols were flawed.

The saga began in November 2022 when the Kokese's property was placed under quarantine.

The CFIA subsequently identified avian influenza on the farm, leading to the order for a mass culling. Despite the official findings, the Kokese maintained that their ostriches showed no clinical signs of illness, raising concerns about the accuracy and interpretation of the diagnostic tests.

Their passionate plea reached the Federal Court of Appeal, where they sought to overturn the CFIA's decision.

However, in a ruling that has sent shockwaves through the small farming community, the court upheld the CFIA's authority, stating that the agency's order was a reasonable exercise of its power to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The judges emphasized the CFIA's mandate to protect animal health and the broader agricultural sector from outbreaks.

For Ray and Carol Koke, this legal defeat is more than just a case lost; it represents the destruction of their life's work.

They had poured decades of effort into building their ostrich farm, raising the magnificent birds for meat, eggs, and feathers. Their dream was to pass this unique agricultural enterprise on to their son, securing a future for their family in farming. Now, that dream lies shattered.

The couple expressed profound sorrow and frustration, fearing that this precedent could jeopardize other small, family-run farms.

They believe their case highlights a critical vulnerability for producers when faced with broad government mandates, especially when discrepancies arise in disease diagnosis or management strategies. The emotional toll of watching their beloved flock, which they consider part of their family, be targeted for destruction is immense.

The CFIA, while acknowledging the distress caused to the farmers, has reiterated its position that culling is a necessary, albeit drastic, measure to contain highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The agency's protocol is designed to protect both domestic poultry and wild bird populations, minimizing economic losses and public health risks associated with widespread outbreaks.

As the Kokese prepare for the painful reality of losing their ostriches, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and heartbreaks faced by dedicated farmers.

It underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory necessity and the profound personal investment made by those who cultivate and care for animals, leaving a lasting question about the balance between disease control and the preservation of individual livelihoods and legacies.