LOCAL

Ostrich Farm in Edgewood Faces Imminent Cull Following Avian Flu Outbreak

Published

1 year ago

on

Tensions are rising at Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, as federal authorities move forward with plans to cull approximately 400 ostriches after some birds tested positive for avian influenza. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued the order following confirmed cases among the flock and secured a court ruling denying legal challenges by the farm’s owners. Local and national attention has intensified as the farm prepares for what many consider an inevitable operation.

Farm Owners Push Back

The owners argue that many ostriches have either recovered or may have developed immunity. They say the destruction is unnecessary and have urged alternatives such as studying the birds’ immune response, relocating them, or at least delaying the cull. Supporters across Canada and abroad have rallied behind the farm, with some even offering to house the ostriches. Protests have been staged at the site, calling for a reconsideration of the “stamping out” policy on ethical and scientific grounds.

CFIA’s Position

In response, the CFIA and public health officials stress that culling is necessary to protect the broader poultry industry and prevent further virus spread. They emphasize that this approach is consistent with established international disease control strategies.

A Narrowing Path

With most legal avenues exhausted, the farm faces a shrinking set of options. The looming cull has raised difficult questions about how Canada balances disease control, animal welfare, and property rights.

 

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

LOCAL

Community Safety Highlighted After Gunshots Hit Fort St. John Home

Fort St. John RCMP are investigating after gunshots struck a home on Saturday. Police confirm no injuries were reported in the residential incident.

Published

2 days ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

RCMP Respond to Shooting in Residential Area

An investigation is underway in Fort St. John, B.C., after a local home was struck by gunfire on Saturday.

RCMP officers were dispatched to the neighborhood following multiple public reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, police confirmed that a residence had been hit several times.

Police Warn of Danger to Neighbourhood

No injuries were reported as a result of the gunfire. However, law enforcement officials emphasized the severe potential risks associated with the incident.

“Cpl. Brett Urano says it was fortunate no one was injured, but the potential for a tragic outcome can’t be understated,” police stated. Officials added that discharging firearms in a residential area puts innocent individuals and families at serious risk.

Continue Reading

LOCAL

Suspect Arrested in North Kelowna Hit-and-Run After Multi-Unit RCMP Search

Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP arrested a hit-and-run suspect after a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake on Oct. 24. No injuries reported.

Published

2 days ago

on

October 25, 2026

By

Hit-and-Run Incident Causes Traffic Delay on Highway 97

A driver attempting to flee on foot following a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake was taken into custody by police on Saturday, Oct. 24. The collision in North Kelowna resulted in traffic slowing to a crawl while emergency responders managed the scene.

Extensive Police Response Leads to Arrest

Witnesses contacted authorities after observing the driver of a black sedan abandon the vehicle and run into a nearby green space. Multiple law enforcement teams were dispatched to track down the fleeing suspect, including the Kelowna RCMP Road Safety Unit, the Kelowna RCMP Gang Enforcement Team, frontline officers, Lake Country RCMP, Police Dog Services, and RCMP Air Services.

According to Kelowna RCMP media relations officer Cpl. Steven Lang, officers located and arrested the suspected driver close to the crash site shortly after the search began.

Police Investigation Ongoing

Authorities reported that no injuries occurred as a result of the collision. “Investigators believe alcohol and speed were factors in the collision,” Lang stated.

Continue Reading

HEALTH

Coquihalla Highway Reopens Near Merritt Following Morning Crash That Injured Four

The Coquihalla Highway north of Merritt has reopened following a Saturday morning vehicle crash that resulted in four people being taken to the hospital.

Published

6 days ago

on

October 21, 2026

By

Traffic Resumes Following Serious Morning Incident

Four people were hospitalized, including three in critical condition, after a motor vehicle incident occurred north of Merritt on Saturday morning, October 17.

DriveBC reported that the Coquihalla Highway was reopened in both directions from Exit 290 to Exit 315 at approximately 4:00 p.m., following the earlier closure.

Emergency Responders Deploy Air Ambulances

BC Emergency Health Services dispatched multiple resources after receiving a call at approximately 8:35 a.m. The response included two air ambulances, three primary care paramedic ambulances, one advanced care paramedic ambulance, and a paramedic supervisor.

According to BCEHS, crews provided emergency medical care at the scene. Two of the three critically injured patients were flown to the hospital via air ambulance, while a fourth patient was taken to the hospital in stable condition.

Continue Reading

Trending