Date: 11/15/25 5:17 am From: Louise Wilkens <boatnbirdr...> Subject: Re: [JERSEYBI] Alpha-GAL allergy
Dear Laurie,
I’m sorry to hear that you have Alpha-gal syndrome. I hope you stay healthy
and have no severe reactions. Thank you for sharing the information. It
is important to birders, and everyone.
I would like to add, EVERY Lone Star tick carries Alpha-Gal syndrome,
unlike Lyme disease, which is not found in all ticks. Scientists are
unsure why some people develop the disease and others don’t.
Ticks can be sent for free testing at "NJ Ticks 4 Science!,” a citizen
science project organized by the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology. The
web site is:
Feel free to fact-check any of this and correct if needed.
Thanks again for sharing.
Louise Wilkens
On Fri, Nov 14, 2025 at 2:11 PM Laurie Larson <
<0000057b603ab9b2-dmarc-request...> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Tick bites are a constant threat to birders in New jersey and indeed most
> of the continent. Now that we have fewer really long cold spells, more
> ticks survive the winter; and the deer population that hosts ticks
> continues to increase and spread. Most of us have heard of Lyme disease but
> another ailment has become a hazard in the past few years. Alpha-Gal
> syndrome is caused by a molecule carried by the Lone-Star tick in
> particular, and the bite causes humans to become allergic to beef and pork.
> In some people, the allergy is so severe they are unable to eat or use any
> animal products such as dairy products, cheese, gelatin, lanolin, some
> drugs derived from animals, etc. It is the allergic reaction — the
> anaphylaxis — which makes people ill; it can take the effect of hives and
> respiratory symptoms, or it can cause severe GI effects.
>
> Despite knowing the usual techniques for avoiding tick bites (I have a
> history of Lyme disease), I got bitten by a Lone Star tick several years
> ago and I no longer can eat beef or pork. The allergy has become less
> severe with time, but it may come back, especially if I’m bitten again. I
> get the blood test repeated once or twice a year by my allergist. I also
> now have an EPI-Pen prescription to treat allergy emergencies. I get every
> tick that bites me tested for diseases.
>
> This has come to mind because a recent article tells the story of a man
> whose allergy was so severe it caused death. This is the first time I’ve
> heard of so severe a reaction.
> Several birders have forwarded me this information and suggested I share
> it. The story is rapidly being picked up and you may see it in other
> network sources.
>
> https://thedigestonline.com/news/nj-man-meat-allergy-ticks/ >
> Some doctors have not yet become aware of the illness, so diagnosis is
> sometimes a problem.
> Here is a recommended web link for an organization that has great
> educational material and links to medical and scientific information:
>
> https://www.twoalphagals.com/ >
> There are many other good references online you can find with your
> favorite search engine.
>
> Here’s a tick testing service:
>
> https://www.tickcheck.com/ >
>
> Good luck and have a safe holiday,
> Laurie Larson
> Lumberton, NJ
>
>
>
>
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