Kentucky Man Develops Ostrich Farm to Address Tick-Borne Red Meat Allergy
Brent Williams, a Kentucky resident suffering from alpha-gal syndrome, a severe allergy to red meat triggered by tick bites, has co-founded Alpha Roost Farms, an ostrich farm in Danville, Kentucky. Williams developed the allergy seven years ago after a tick bite caused his immune system to react to alpha-gal sugar found in most mammal meat. This condition makes consumption of red meat, and even exposure to its fumes, life-threatening. Ostrich meat, which is red and high in iron, does not contain alpha-gal and offers a viable alternative for those with the allergy, tasting similar to beef. The farm, which currently has over 400 birds, plans to expand its herd to 700 by next year to meet growing demand. Alpha-gal syndrome, first linked to tick bites in 2011, is on the rise, with an estimated 100,000 to half a million sufferers in the U.S. 
