A Kentucky man with a meat allergy was craving a burger. So he got into ostrich farming
Summary
A man in Kentucky with a life-threatening allergy to red meat started farming ostriches to have a safe source of meat. Ostrich meat looks and tastes like beef but does not cause allergic reactions for people with alpha-gal syndrome, a condition triggered by tick bites.Key Facts
- Brent Williams, who has alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy caused by tick bites), co-owns Alpha Roost Farms in Danville, Kentucky.
- Ostrich meat is red, high in iron, and tastes similar to beef but is safe for people with this allergy.
- Alpha-gal syndrome causes symptoms like hives, diarrhea, and itchiness after eating red meat.
- The farm currently has over 400 ostriches and plans to increase the herd to 700 by next year.
- Ostrich meat is in demand among people with the allergy and can cost over $20 per pound for ground meat and $40 for choice cuts.
- The Alpha-Gal Association recommends ostrich meat as a beef substitute for people with the allergy.
- Other farms, including one in Texas, are also increasing their ostrich herds due to growing demand.
- Restaurants and stores across the U.S. are starting to offer ostrich meat as an alternative to beef.
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