Federal officials disclosed that the controversial cull of approximately 300 ostriches at Universal Ostrich farm in Edgewood, B.C., last December cost nearly $7 million, driven by avian flu concerns. The RCMP incurred over $3.8 million in policing expenses, while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) spent nearly $1.6 million, including over $150,000 on security due to threats against its personnel. Conservative MP Scott Anderson criticized the high costs and the operational impact on the local community, questioning the necessity of such extensive police involvement. The cull has sparked widespread protests, including appeals from notable figures like U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but CFIA maintains its actions were essential for preventing virus spread and ensuring food security.
