Dr. Mehmet Oz has called on the Canadian government to reconsider a recent court ruling that allows for the culling of 400 ostriches due to concerns over avian influenza. The ruling, issued by a Canadian court, permits the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to proceed with the cull in an effort to manage the potential spread of the H5N1 bird flu virus. Dr. Oz, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and businessman John Catsimatidis, has expressed strong opposition to the decision, urging that the ostriches should instead be studied.
During a recent appearance on Catsimatidis’s radio show, “Cats Roundtable,” Dr. Oz emphasized the need to explore the survival of these ostriches after exposure to the virus. He suggested that they may possess valuable insights that could benefit both avian species and humans. “Maybe they’ve got secrets that can help other birds and, more importantly, humans,” Oz stated.
The legal battle over the fate of the ostriches intensified last week when a court confirmed the CFIA’s authority to cull the birds. The decision is currently under appeal to Canada’s Supreme Court. Dr. Oz questioned the rationale behind the culling, asserting that the survival of the birds could lead to important research opportunities. He remarked, “How is it that all these birds survived this horrible illness? They have secrets in them that we can learn from.”
Dr. Oz’s campaign is rooted not only in scientific curiosity but also in compassion. He has proposed transporting the ostriches to his ranch in Florida, where he claims he would personally ensure their safety. “This is the kind of thing you should do if you’re truly a curious person,” he added. The movement he leads, titled “Make America Healthy Again,” aims to foster inquiry into health-related topics, extending even to the animal kingdom.
Catsimatidis, a prominent New York City businessman and animal lover, has joined the cause to advocate for the ostriches. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously owned an emu, has lent his support, citing scientific reasoning in favor of Dr. Oz’s push for research.
Reports indicate that the ostrich farm in Edgewood, British Columbia, has experienced significant losses, with 69 birds succumbing to the virus between December 2023 and January 2024. Despite these losses, the farm claims that the remaining flock is now healthy. The CFIA maintains that culling is necessary to prevent possible mutations of the virus that could pose a greater risk. Canadian authorities are under pressure to protect the poultry industry and uphold trade agreements with international partners.
Dr. Oz acknowledged the CFIA’s concerns but labeled the situation with these ostriches as “unique.” He argued that culling could hinder potential breakthroughs in research that might have widespread implications for avian and human health. Universal Ostrich Farms, which manages the flock, has filed an application with the Supreme Court of Canada for a stay on the cull while the appeal is considered.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex intersection of animal health, public safety, and scientific inquiry. As advocates like Dr. Oz continue to push for the protection of these ostriches, the outcome of the court appeal remains uncertain.