Veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Jeff Wilson joins Melanie Wakelin to unpack the BC ostrich culling, why outbreak response best practices were not followed, and how failed governance magnified the harm. He outlines the Four Pillars of Outbreak Response, provides context on testing, immunity, and communication, and shares a constructive path forward so outrage can turn into action.

What We Cover:

• What actually happened at the BC ostrich farm and why it matters beyond one case

• The Four Pillars of Outbreak Response: leadership team, data, interventions, transparent communication

• How and why best practices broke down

• Testing vs detection of live virus, antibody evidence, and immunity

• Governance failures, accountability, and the role of CFIA

• Building collective solutions across industry, academia, and the public

• CORIN: a Canadian Outbreak Response Integration Network approach

• Practical actions for listeners and affected communities

Chapters: 00:00 Intro and why this episode 01:17 Overview of the BC ostrich situation 03:42 Where outbreak response failed 05:20 Dr. Wilson's recommendation to the court 07:07 The Four Pillars of Outbreak Response explained 11:18 Data, testing, and why testing was blocked 12:23 Were birds culled without confirmed transmission 21:12 Antibody findings and immunity context 23:27 Public perception and CFIA credibility 29:56 The epidemic of failed governance 31:29 Judicial process concerns 34:30 Economics, trade, and incentives in poultry 38:03 How the industry can unite productively 44:30 What CFIA is mandated to do vs real outbreak response 47:21 Legal and civil implications ahead 51:37 Applying the pillars to broader social crises 52:03 How the public can help constructively 55:00 Where to follow up and closing

Key Takeaways:

• Outbreak response has validated best practices. Skipping them leads to avoidable harm.

• Data drives interventions. Without transparent testing and shared information, decisions degrade.

• Communication must be honest and multidirectional to maintain trust.

• Governance failures are systemic. Solutions require collaborative networks, not siloed authority.

• Channel grief and anger into action. Learn the pillars, contact representatives, support affected farmers, and engage with credible solution builders.

About the Guest: Dr. Jeff Wilson is a veterinary epidemiologist and former professor at the University of Guelph with cross-appointment experience at the Public Health Agency of Canada. He specializes in outbreak response and leads networked efforts to solve complex problems through his social enterprise, Novometrics.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Four Pillars of Outbreak Response

• CORIN: Canadian Outbreak Response Integration Network

• Walkerton outbreak reference and public health training context

• Contact your Member of Parliament to request transparent, evidence-based outbreak management

Listener Actions:

• Learn the Four Pillars and share them with your network

• Write or call your MP asking for transparent, evidence-based outbreak response

• Support affected farmers with constructive advocacy and resources

• Watch or listen to the full conversation and share it with context

Connect with Melanie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activateandilluminate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/activateandilluminate

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@activateandilluminatewithmel

Website: https://activateandilluminate.com/

Contact Us: [email protected]

Melanie's Businesses:

LifeVantage Representative: http://protandimcanada.lifevantage.com/

Episode References:

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Connect with Jeff Wilson

Dr. Jeff Wilson / President [email protected]

Novometrix Research Inc. www.novometrixinc.com