Alpha-Gal syndrome & meat allergy/The "bullies of the tick world" are on the hunt [View all]

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/381444908/fresh-air

Audio at link

JULY 1, 2026
The “bullies of the tick world” are on the hunt

The lone star tick seeks out its blood meal and transmits a potentially dangerous allergy to red meat. ‘New Yorker’ staff writer Burkhard Bilger talks with Terry Gross about his reporting on the tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome, and how doctors, scientists and pest control experts are responding.

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The New Yorker
https://www.newyorker.com › magazine › 2026 › 07 › 06 › the-tick-that-hunts-down-its-hosts-including-us

The Tick That Hunts Down Its Hosts—Including Us - The New Yorker

Lone-star ticks don't just pursue and bite people. The affliction they're spreading, an allergy to red meat known as alpha-gal syndrome, attacks a way …
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https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/index.html

About Alpha-gal Syndrome

EST. 450,000 infected people

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Most healthcare providers recommend patients with AGS stop eating meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, or rabbit. Some patients need to eliminate other sources of alpha-gal, such as dairy and certain medications. Patients can work with their healthcare provider to determine which sources of alpha-gal should be avoided.

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Some medications and vaccines may contain alpha-gal-containing additives, stabilizers, or coatings.

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Animal-derived medical products, such as heart valves from pigs or cows, monoclonal antibodies, heparin, and certain antivenoms may contain alpha-gal.

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