U.S. ostrich farmers are experiencing a resurgence in demand, driven by a growing number of individuals diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy often triggered by tick bites. Farmers report increasing their herds to meet this niche market.
Alpha-gal syndrome, linked to a specific species of tick, causes reactions ranging from hives to gastrointestinal distress after consuming red meat. Unlike beef or lamb, ostrich meat is not derived from mammals and is considered a safe alternative for those with the allergy. Its red color, iron content, and taste are often described as similar to beef.
"People who haven’t had a hamburger in six or seven years really want one," said W.D. King, owner of Alpha Roost Farms in Danville, Kentucky. His farm, which has over 400 ostriches and plans to grow to 700 by next year, has seen increased interest from individuals with alpha-gal syndrome. Another partner at Alpha Roost Farms, Brent Williams, developed the allergy seven years ago after a tick bite and found ostrich meat to be a welcome substitute.
"The people that have alpha-gal that I talked to that have tried an ostrich burger, most of them are almost in tears," Williams said. "They say, ‘You just don’t know how bad I missed this.’"
Ostrich meat is a premium product, with ground ostrich costing over $20 per pound and cuts selling for more than $40. Leah Gibbs, who manages Dry Branch Farm market in Danville, which sells Alpha Roost Farms' products, noted that customers travel from across the state for the ostrich meat, expressing elation at finding a beef-like alternative.
The Alpha-Gal Association, a nonprofit advocacy group, recommends ostrich as a dietary substitute that mimics the taste and texture of beef.
Boyd Clark, who operates a large ostrich farm in Texas and expects to increase his herd by 50% next year, noted that inquiries come from restaurants and stores nationwide seeking ostrich meat to satisfy customer demand. He has been raising ostriches since the 1980s.
This current interest follows a boom and bust cycle in the ostrich industry during the 1990s. At that time, many farms failed due to a lack of understanding of the birds' needs, attempting to raise them with high-density farming methods more suited to chickens. Michael Lehman, vice president of the American Ostrich Association, explained that ostriches require free-range space, and the failure to provide this led to supply shortfalls and industry collapse.
Today, an estimated 10 to 15 large-scale ostrich farms are in operation, with producers possessing a greater understanding of the birds' behavior and space requirements. According to a 2023 government report, approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. have alpha-gal syndrome, though experts believe the actual number could be as high as half a million. Researchers documented the first known death related to the allergy in 2024.