How to Learn About Diseases That Affect Ostriches

The first ostriches were brought to the U.S. in 1882 and ostrich ranching took off soon after. Like all poultry, ostriches are at risk for several types of diseases such as bacterial, viral and parasitic illnesses. Ostriches and other poultry may also suffer from nutrition related diseases such as rickets. Keep ostriches healthy by learning prevention techniques, disease pathology and health risks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Look for reference books, both online and off, on ostrich medical management. Research the optimal conditions for raising and caring for ostriches and domestic poultry in general. Review the USDA National Agricultural Library reference on raising ostriches for more information on poultry disease pathology and prevention.
2. Find a veterinarian that specializes in poultry farming in your area. Several groups provide information and sources online. Also, check with with your local veterinarian for a referral. Once you find an avian veterinarian, consult with them on best feed choices, supplements and preventative care to maintain the health of your birds.
3. Study and review the most common diseases and illness that affect ostriches online at Oklahoma State Ostrich Book. Also read the Atlas of Pathology on Poultry and Ostriches by N. Elkin and B. Perelman, available online at Poultrymed. You can also view videos on poultry diseases at Poultrymed.
4. Read the World Ostrich Association's paper on Avian Flu health risk in ostriches. This report details biosecurity measures, facilities management, vaccinations and symptoms of illness in ostriches.

Tips & Warnings

• Ostriches in South Africa and several other countries have contracted Avian influenza strains (including serotypes H5N9, H9N2, H7N1, H5N2).
• Although most poultry are immune to anthrax, ostriches have a higher baseline temperature, making them susceptible to infection. In West Java, Indonesia, 2600 ostriches were killed to contain an anthrax outbreak on an ostrich farm.
• Vitamin E and selenium deficiencies are frequent occurrences in ostriches from South Africa.