Can Children Get Sick from Ostriches? What Parents Need to Know About Bird-Related Illnesses

Understanding Ostrich-Related Health Risks

Ostriches, like many farm animals, can carry bacteria that may cause illness in humans, especially in young children. However, it is important to understand that most children who come near ostriches or ostrich farms do not get sick. The key is knowing what to watch for and following simple prevention steps.

Main Health Concerns: What Can Children Catch?

According to scientific research published in veterinary medicine journals, there are two main bacterial infections that ostriches can carry and potentially transmit to children:

1. Salmonella Infection

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause stomach illness. Research shows that Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis are the types most commonly found in ostriches, particularly in young ostrich chicks.

What You Need to Know	Details
Who is most at risk	Children under 5 years, especially those under 1 year
How it spreads	Contact with ostrich droppings, contaminated eggs, or surfaces in ostrich areas
When symptoms appear	6 hours to 6 days after contact with bacteria
How long it lasts	Usually 4 to 7 days

What to Watch For

• Diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Fever
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite

2. Campylobacter Infection

Campylobacter is another bacterial infection that can be found in ostriches and other poultry. Medical literature indicates this infection is particularly common in young birds.

What You Need to Know	Details
Who is most at risk	Babies, teenagers, and young adults
How it spreads	Contact with infected bird droppings or contaminated materials
When symptoms appear	2 to 5 days after exposure
How long it lasts	About 5 to 7 days, sometimes longer

What to Watch For

• Diarrhea that may be bloody
• Stomach cramping and pain
• Fever
• Headache
• Feeling tired or weak

Other Possible Risks

Avian Influenza

According to recent reports from Canada in 2024 and research from Egypt published in veterinary journals, ostriches can become infected with avian influenza viruses, including H5N1 and H5N8 strains. However, it is important to note that transmission from ostriches to humans is extremely rare and would require direct contact with sick birds or their secretions.

Other Less Common Concerns

Scientific research has documented other potential infections in ostriches, though transmission to children is very uncommon:

• Chlamydia psittaci: A respiratory infection that has occasionally been found in young ostriches
• E. coli: Can be present in ostrich droppings
• Newcastle disease: A viral infection that primarily affects birds and rarely causes mild symptoms in humans who have very close contact

How Do Children Get Infected?

Understanding how these infections spread helps you protect your child better. Here are the main ways children can be exposed:

1. Hand-to-mouth contact: Children touch contaminated surfaces or materials and then put their hands in their mouth
2. Direct contact: Touching ostrich droppings, eggs, or living areas
3. Contaminated food or water: Very rare, but can happen if ostrich products are not properly handled
4. Poor hygiene: Not washing hands after visiting farms or petting zoos

Proven Prevention Steps: Keeping Your Family Safe

The good news is that preventing these infections is straightforward. Following these evidence-based guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will significantly reduce your child's risk:

Before and During Farm or Zoo Visits

1. Supervise young children closely: Do not allow children under 5 years to touch ostriches, their droppings, or areas where they live
2. Keep distance: Maintain a safe distance from ostrich enclosures
3. No eating or drinking: Do not allow children to eat, drink, or put anything in their mouth while in animal areas
4. Watch what children touch: Prevent children from touching fences, gates, or any surfaces in ostrich areas

Hand Washing: The Most Important Step

When to wash hands:

• Immediately after leaving any animal area
• Before eating or drinking
• After touching anything in animal spaces, even if you did not touch the animals directly
• After removing shoes that were worn in animal areas

How to wash properly:

• Use soap and clean running water
• Scrub all parts of hands for at least 20 seconds
• Clean under fingernails where germs hide
• Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, but wash with soap and water as soon as possible

Food Safety If Handling Ostrich Products

If your family consumes ostrich meat or eggs, follow these safety guidelines:

Food Item	Safety Guidelines
Ostrich meat	Cook thoroughly to internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Never serve raw or undercooked meat to children
Ostrich eggs	Cook until both white and yolk are firm. Do not use raw eggs in any recipe for children
Preparation surfaces	Use separate cutting boards for raw meat. Clean all surfaces with hot soapy water immediately
Storage	Keep raw products separate from other foods. Refrigerate promptly at 40 degrees F or below

What to Do If Your Child Gets Sick

Home Care

Most children with Salmonella or Campylobacter infections recover without needing antibiotics. Here is how you can care for your child at home:

1. Keep your child hydrated: This is the most important treatment
   • Offer frequent small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths
   • For babies, continue breastfeeding or formula feeding
   • Avoid sugary drinks like soda or juice that can worsen diarrhea
2. Let your child rest: The body needs energy to fight infection
3. Feed when hungry: Offer bland, easy-to-digest foods when your child feels ready to eat
4. Do not give anti-diarrhea medicine: These medicines can make bacterial infections worse, especially in children

When Medical Care is Needed

According to pediatric guidelines, antibiotics may be necessary for:

• Babies under 3 months old
• Children with severe symptoms
• Children with weakened immune systems
• Infections that spread beyond the intestines

Preventing Spread to Other Family Members

A sick child can spread bacteria to others in the household. Follow these steps based on CDC recommendations:

• Wash your hands thoroughly after changing diapers or helping your child use the bathroom
• Clean and disinfect bathrooms daily while your child is sick
• Keep your sick child home from school or daycare until symptoms stop
• Do not let your child prepare food for others while sick
• Wash your child's clothes and bedding separately in hot water

Special Situations: What Parents Ask

Living Near an Ostrich Farm

If you live near an ostrich farm, you might have concerns. Based on veterinary public health research, here is what you should know:

School Field Trips to Farms

Educational farm visits can be safe with proper precautions:

• Ensure the farm has hand-washing stations
• Pack hand sanitizer for your child
• Remind your child not to touch their face while at the farm
• Send your child with a water bottle so they do not need to drink at the farm
• Have your child change clothes when they get home

Petting Zoos and Animal Exhibits

Many petting zoos do not have ostriches because of their size and potential to kick. If there is an ostrich exhibit:

• Observe from a safe distance only
• Follow all posted rules and staff instructions
• Do not allow young children to reach into enclosures
• Wash hands immediately after leaving any animal area

Regional Considerations Worldwide

Ostrich farming exists in many countries around the world. Here are some specific considerations for different regions:

Africa

South Africa has the largest ostrich farming industry globally. According to published research, the Wesselsbron virus has been found in ostriches in southern African countries, though human infections are uncommon.

Middle East

In countries like Israel, there have been documented cases of Borna disease in ostrich chicks, though this does not commonly affect humans.

North and South America

Research shows that ostriches in the Americas can be affected by Eastern and Western equine encephalomyelitis viruses, which are transmitted by mosquitoes. However, these primarily cause illness in the birds themselves.

Asia and Australia

Ostrich farming in these regions follows similar health and safety standards. The same bacterial risks apply, making hand hygiene equally important.

Building Healthy Habits

Teaching children about farm animal safety should be age-appropriate and positive:

For Young Children

• Explain that farm animals have germs that can make people sick
• Make hand washing fun by singing a song while washing
• Use simple rules like "Look but do not touch"
• Praise children when they follow safety rules

For Older Children

• Explain how bacteria spread and why prevention matters
• Teach responsibility for their own hand washing
• Encourage them to remind younger siblings about safety
• Discuss why we respect animals and their space

The Bottom Line for Parents

Understanding these health risks should not stop your family from enjoying educational experiences with farm animals. Ostriches are fascinating birds that can teach children about nature and animal biology. With proper precautions and good hygiene habits, visits to farms and zoos are safe activities for children.

The key is being informed and prepared. By following the prevention guidelines in this article, you can help your children learn about ostriches while keeping them healthy and safe.

Key Takeaways

Labels: Animals-Birds