Ostrich-Borne Illnesses in Children: A Complete Parent's Guide
Understanding the risks of ostrich-borne illnesses is essential for parents whose children may come into contact with these large birds at farms, zoos, or wildlife parks. While ostriches are fascinating creatures, they can carry diseases that may affect children. This comprehensive guide helps families stay informed and protected.
Ostrich-borne illnesses are infections and diseases that can be transmitted from ostriches to humans, particularly children. These are called zoonotic diseases because they spread between animals and people. Children are more vulnerable due to their developing immune systems and tendency to touch animals and then their faces.
Ostriches can carry various bacteria, parasites, and viruses in their feathers, droppings, saliva, and on their skin. Even healthy-looking ostriches may harbor pathogens that cause illness in children.
Salmonella bacteria are one of the most common infections children can get from ostriches. These bacteria live in the intestines of birds and are shed in their droppings.
- Diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Fever ranging from mild to high
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache and body aches
- Symptoms usually appear 6 to 72 hours after exposure
Most children recover within 4 to 7 days, but young children under age 5 may develop severe dehydration requiring medical attention.
Campylobacter bacteria are found in the intestinal tracts of many birds including ostriches. This infection is particularly concerning for young children.
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Fever often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Nausea and occasional vomiting
- Symptoms typically start 2 to 5 days after exposure
The illness usually lasts about a week. In rare cases, complications can affect the nervous system or joints.
Certain strains of Escherichia coli bacteria can cause serious illness in children. Ostriches may carry these bacteria without showing any signs of sickness.
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea that often becomes bloody
- Vomiting in some cases
- Mild fever or no fever
- Symptoms usually begin 3 to 4 days after exposure
While most children recover within a week, some may develop a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome that affects the kidneys and requires immediate medical care.
Though rare, ostriches can potentially carry bird flu viruses. Most strains do not easily infect humans, but close contact with infected birds poses risks.
- High fever and chills
- Cough and sore throat
- Muscle aches throughout the body
- Headache and fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Eye infections in some cases
Ostriches can harbor various parasites that may affect children, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
- Watery diarrhea lasting several days
- Stomach pain and cramping
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Weight loss in prolonged cases
- Dehydration especially in younger children
Understanding transmission routes helps parents prevent exposure:
- Touching ostriches, their feathers, or skin
- Being pecked or scratched by an ostrich
- Handling ostrich eggs or eggshells
- Contact with ostrich feed or water containers
- Touching surfaces contaminated with ostrich droppings
- Walking in areas where ostriches are kept
- Playing with toys or objects exposed to ostrich environments
- Contact with clothing or shoes worn in ostrich areas
- Touching contaminated surfaces then putting hands in mouth
- Eating or drinking without washing hands after ostrich contact
- Consuming food prepared by someone with contaminated hands
Some children are at higher risk of developing serious illness:
| Risk Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Children under 5 years | Immature immune systems and tendency to put hands in mouth |
| Weakened immune systems | Less able to fight off infections |
| Chronic health conditions | Increased vulnerability to complications |
| Frequent farm visits | More opportunities for exposure |
| Poor hand hygiene habits | Higher chance of bacteria transfer to mouth |
- Choose reputable farms or zoos with good hygiene practices
- Check if the facility has handwashing stations
- Pack hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
- Dress children in clothes that cover arms and legs
- Bring separate shoes to change before returning home
- Avoid visits if your child is sick or has a weak immune system
- Supervise children closely at all times
- Follow all posted safety rules and barriers
- Do not allow children to put fingers in mouths
- Avoid eating, drinking, or using pacifiers in animal areas
- Keep children away from ostrich droppings
- Do not let children kiss or put their faces near ostriches
- Watch for aggressive ostrich behavior and keep distance
- Wash hands immediately with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds
- Clean under fingernails thoroughly
- Use hand sanitizer if soap is not available
- Wash hands again before eating or drinking
- Remove and wash all clothing worn during the visit
- Clean and disinfect shoes before bringing them inside
- Take a shower or bath when returning home
Teaching children effective hand washing is crucial for prevention:
- Wet hands with clean running water
- Apply soap and create a good lather
- Scrub all surfaces including backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails
- Continue scrubbing for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice)
- Rinse thoroughly under clean running water
- Dry hands using a clean towel or air dryer
- Use the towel to turn off the faucet if possible
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
- Bloody diarrhea or bloody stools
- High fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit
- Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or decreased urination
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve
- Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
Early medical evaluation is especially important for children under age 5, those with chronic conditions, or children with weakened immune systems.
Treatment depends on the specific illness and severity:
- Ensure plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Offer oral rehydration solutions for children with diarrhea
- Continue normal diet as tolerated
- Provide rest and comfort
- Monitor temperature and symptoms closely
- Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections
- Antiparasitic medications for parasitic infections
- Intravenous fluids for severe dehydration
- Hospitalization for serious cases
- Supportive care to manage symptoms
Most children recover fully from ostrich-borne illnesses within one to two weeks with proper care. However, some points to remember:
- Children may continue shedding bacteria in stool for several weeks after symptoms resolve
- Maintain strict hand hygiene during recovery period
- Keep recovering children away from food preparation areas
- Gradually reintroduce normal diet as appetite returns
- Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended by healthcare provider
- Watch for any recurring or new symptoms
Children can still learn about ostriches safely with proper precautions:
- Choose educational programs with strong safety protocols
- Observe ostriches from safe viewing distances
- Use educational materials like books and videos as alternatives to close contact
- Teach children about animal safety and disease prevention
- Make hand washing a fun and consistent routine
- Praise children for following safety rules
Age-appropriate education helps children protect themselves:
- Teach simple rules: look but do not touch without permission
- Make hand washing fun with songs and games
- Use simple language about germs making tummies hurt
- Practice safety rules before visiting animal areas
- Explain how germs spread from animals to people
- Discuss specific diseases in age-appropriate terms
- Emphasize personal responsibility for hand hygiene
- Teach them to recognize symptoms and report feeling unwell
Families living on or frequently visiting ostrich farms need extra precautions:
- Designate separate work clothes and shoes for ostrich care
- Create clean zones where children can play away from birds
- Install proper handwashing facilities near ostrich areas
- Never allow children in ostrich pens unsupervised
- Store ostrich feed away from household areas
- Regularly clean and disinfect shared spaces
- Schedule regular health checks for both children and ostriches
- Keep first aid supplies easily accessible
Disease transmission can vary with seasons and environmental conditions:
- Warmer months may increase bacterial growth in ostrich environments
- Wet conditions can spread contaminated soil and droppings
- Dry, dusty conditions may spread airborne particles
- Breeding season may make ostriches more aggressive and increase close contact risks
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of facilities reduces pathogen levels
Supporting your child's overall health reduces infection severity:
- Ensure balanced nutrition with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Maintain regular sleep schedules for adequate rest
- Keep vaccinations up to date as recommended
- Encourage regular physical activity
- Minimize stress and provide emotional support
- Teach good hygiene habits beyond hand washing
Effective communication with doctors improves outcomes:
- Recent contact with ostriches or other birds
- Timeline of symptom development
- Types and severity of symptoms
- Any treatments already tried at home
- Child's medical history and current medications
- Similar illnesses in other family members
Preventing ostrich-borne illnesses is a shared responsibility:
- Share information with other parents about risks and prevention
- Support facilities that maintain high hygiene standards
- Report unsafe conditions at petting zoos or farms to authorities
- Advocate for better safety education in schools and community programs
- Keep sick children home to prevent spreading infections
- Zoonoses and Communicable Diseases Common to Man and Animals published by Pan American Health Organization
- Infectious Diseases of Wild Birds edited by Nancy Thomas and colleagues
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases by various medical authors focusing on zoonotic infections
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for current disease information
- American Academy of Pediatrics for child health guidelines
- World Health Organization for global health recommendations
Note: Always verify information with current sources and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
