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1h ago

Hay-Bale Barrier Burns as CFIA Advances Ostrich Cull in B.C.

Federal inspectors cite avian influenza risks to justify a humane depopulation under their control.

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Karen Espersen, centre, the co-owner of Universal Ostrich Farms, speaks with supporters with her daughter, Katie Pasitney, at the farm in Edgewood, B.C., on Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, as the Canadian Food Agency prepares to cull 400 of the farm’s ostriches this week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Hemens

Overview

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is preparing to euthanize about 400 ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms after H5N1 was detected in December 2024, with no start time confirmed.
  • A three-metre hay-bale wall erected to corral the flock was found charred and still smouldering as workers doused hotspots, and officials have not said whether the fire will affect plans.
  • Co-owner Karen Espersen and her daughter, Katie Pasitney, were arrested for obstructing CFIA duties and later released, and the ostrich pen has been under federal control since Monday.
  • RCMP report complaints from local businesses about threats and harassment, and contractor Nuco Environmental Solutions says employees and family members received death threats while denying any role in the operation.
  • The farm has lost bids in Federal Court and at the Federal Court of Appeal to stop the cull, and the owners say they are seeking a Supreme Court hearing as supporters continue to gather at the Edgewood site.