'Deep burial' for ostriches at B.C. landfill as CFIA completes cull and disposal work

The canadian river solid food review bureau says it has completed its " fighting(a) operations" at the British Columbia ostrich farm where its flock was culled by professional marksmen following an outbreak of avian flu. 

A statement from the agency says the carcasses of 314 ostriches as well as eggs and other material were disposed of through "deep burial" at a B.C. Landfill.

It says the site at Universal Ostrich Farms near Edgewood, B.C., remains under quarantine and permission is required to enter areas that are subject to biocontainment measures.

The agency says every premises infected with highly pathogenic avian flu must follow a standardized path to resuming operations, including cleaning and disinfection approved by the CFIA, before quarantine restrictions are lifted.

Cull of ostriches at B.C. Farm is complete, CFIA confirms

It adds that the farm has been provided documentation about the requirements and notes there may be a "fallow period" with CFIA oversight after the cleaning process.

Representatives of the farm — who fought the cull order for more than 10 months before the Supreme Court of Canada refused to hear an appeal — did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Katie Pasitney, whose mother co-owns the farm, told The Canadian Press the morning after the cull that shooting the ostriches was "inhumane" and the gunfire that went on for hours last Thursday night was "overwhelming."

The CFIA has said it determined the use of professional marksmen was the "most appropriate and humane option" to kill the flock after consulting with experts experienced in managing disease outbreaks among ostriches.

In its statement issued Thursday, the agency notes personal protective equipment is not required outside designated zones related to the quarantine.

It says anyone who entered designated "hot" zones during the operation wore personal protective equipment "or were thoroughly disinfected upon exit."

"All equipment was also disinfected when leaving designated zones," it says.

Workers in white protective suits could be seen inside the ostrich enclosure during last week's cull and disposal operation.

Pasitney, whose mother co-owns the farm, has previously questioned why RCMP officers and others just outside the pen did not appear to be wearing protective gear.

The latest CFIA statement also says any formal request for compensation over the loss of the flock would be reviewed in accordance with the Health of Animals Act and other regulations.

It says the regulations set the parameters for any potential compensation. 

"The objective of the [regulation] is to encourage the early reporting of animal disease, and the co-operation of owners in eradication efforts," the agency adds.

Hundreds of ostriches culled at B.C. Farm after months of drama

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