EN
A dynamic development of African ostrich breeding (Struthio camelus) has been observed in the recent years all over the world and since 1993 in Poland as well. In natural conditions the birds inhabit semidesert and grassy regions of African savannah. However, they can adapt easily to different European climatic conditions. Despite the high popularity of ostrich breeding in Poland, breeders and veterinarians face various problems connected with the birds’ acclimatization to new environmental and feeding conditions. The ostriches’ state of health is affected not only by numerous etiologie factors such as viruses, bacteria or fungi, but also breeding and feeding conditions. The most threatening viral infections in ostrich are: Newcastle disease, Avian influenza, Avian pox and adenovirus infections. Bacterial infections are also an important issue in intensive ostrich breeding. The most alarming thing is a high level of ostriches’ infection with Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. instantly after hatching. In older birds the etiologie agents of diseases are often Mycoplasma sp., Campylobacter sp., Megabacteria, Chlamydia psittaci or Clostridium.