Leinweber is not alone in mourning the flock at Universal Ostrich Farms, shot by marksmen on a night of cold, drenching rain. Ostriches are unusual creatures, and the flock at Universal Ostrich Farms offered a powerful, visual story that “tugs at our heartstrings,” he said. But Kealy said he viewed the situation at Universal Ostrich Farms as unique because the birds were not being raised for human consumption at the time. And then they killed all the birds … Does it stop the avian flu? But he said the H5N1 avian flu virus cannot be controlled by hoping for the best.