Two individuals were arrested at an ostrich farm in British Columbia as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency prepares to cull infected birds. The arrests occurred after some of the ostrich flock tested positive for avian flu.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) entered the ostrich enclosure where Katie Pasitney and her mother, Karen Esperson, had been staying overnight. Staff Sgt. Kris Clark confirmed that the two individuals refused to leave the enclosure and were subsequently taken into custody.

Clark stated that the pair has been transported to the RCMP command post for processing before their release. They were arrested under the Health of Animals Act, although no formal charges have been filed at this time.

The RCMP's presence at the farm is in response to a request from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Their role is to enforce regulations, secure the property, and ensure the safety of both the public and CFIA officers as they carry out their duties related to the avian flu outbreak.