They’re killing entire flocks—without even knowing what’s wrong.
The rush to cull entire ostrich flocks in response to suspected avian flu may be overlooking critical scientific factors. Regulatory agencies are acting on assumptions rather than data, often bypassing thorough investigation, including necropsies (animal autopsies) that could confirm the true cause of illness.
In the recent case at a BC ostrich farm, reports indicate that wild ducks had access to the farm’s water supply and defecated in it—introducing the possibility of environmental toxins or pathogens unrelated to avian influenza.
This type of contamination could represent exposure that regulatory protocols are not currently equipped to detect. Without proper diagnostic testing, it is impossible to definitively identify the pathogen—or toxin—responsible.
Defaulting to mass culling not only eliminates potentially healthy animals, but it also sidesteps the opportunity to learn and respond appropriately to evolving disease patterns.
In an era where ecological factors, cross-species interactions, and pathogens are increasingly common, our response to disease must be evidence-based, not fear-based.
A one-size-fits-all model is insufficient. We need better science, deeper inquiry, and a public health system that prioritizes understanding over optics.
Follow @andrewkaufmanmd for more
source