When a friend approached Brent Williams four years ago with a business proposition to start an ostrich farm, he was more than intrigued — he had a personal motivation as someone who developed a life-threatening allergy to red meat, triggered by tick bites. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The problem, known as alpha-gal syndrome, was first linked to a particular species of ticks about 15 years ago. But cases are on the rise as more people report symptoms such as hives, diarrhea and itchiness after eating as little as a mouthful of meat.
To satisfy his craving for burgers, Williams decided to raise ostriches. He works with W.D. King, owner of Alpha Roost Farms in Danville. Williams prepares ostrich meat and consumes it as burgers, as ostrich meat does not contain the substance that triggers alpha-gal allergy.
Photos taken by Associated Press photographer Dylan Lovan show Williams petting an ostrich, an adult ostrich, cuts of grilled ostrich meat on a plate, and Williams preparing meat with King. Another photo shows King holding a young ostrich.