Canadian officials are gearing up for the culling of around 400 ostriches on a farm in British Columbia due to an outbreak of avian influenza that was first detected in the herd late last year.
A barrier made of hay bales, standing approximately three meters high, has been set up at the farm near the small community of Edgewood in southeastern B.C. On a recent Tuesday, several individuals clad in white protective suits were visible from the nearby highway.
The hay bale wall was put in place after Karen Espersen, one of the farm’s co-owners, and her daughter, Katie Pasitney, were arrested for declining to leave the ostriches’ enclosure voluntarily earlier that day.
Although Pasitney and Espersen returned home later, Pasitney mentioned that they are currently prohibited from re-entering the ostrich pen, which has been under the control of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) since the previous Monday.
In a Facebook video shared on Tuesday, Pasitney expressed her concerns about the impending cull, anticipating a restless night ahead.
The exact commencement date of the cull has not been confirmed by officials.
Meanwhile, the farm’s other owner, Dave Belinski, left the ostrich enclosure voluntarily earlier that same Tuesday, citing the need to retrieve his truck from inside the pen.
Pasitney informed the press that neither she nor her mother have been formally charged yet, but a court date has been arranged.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the British Columbia chapter of the SPCA stated that the CFIA holds the decision-making power for disease control, including the situation involving Universal Ostrich Farms. The SPCA reiterated that they do not possess the authority to intervene or influence decisions concerning avian flu cases.
The SPCA emphasized the importance of humane euthanasia in cases where an animal is suffering from an untreatable illness or poses a significant public health risk. The organization stressed that euthanasia methods must prioritize minimizing fear, pain, and anxiety during the process.
The society acknowledged the adverse effects of euthanasia on animals, farmers, and the community.