Tickborne disease can cause allergies to red meat; new survey seeks input to guide education, resources on emerging health issue.
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Bites from common Missouri ticks such as the lone star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome. People with the condition may experience a variety of effects, including an allergy to red meat. Photo by Adrienne van den Beemt. Shared under a Creative Commons License (CC-BY-4.0).
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A growing number of Missourians are facing an unexpected consequence of tick bites: a dangerous food allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). University of Missouri Extension is asking for the public’s help to better understand the challenges this condition creates for individuals, families and communities.
MU Extension has launched the Alpha-Gal Syndrome Needs Assessment Survey to gather insight from Missourians about their experiences with AGS or their role in supporting someone who has it. The feedback will help MU Extension specialists shape new education, outreach and resource programs across the state, said Rachel O’Halloran, MU Extension nutrition and health specialist.
The survey is open to all Missouri residents, whether or not they’ve been affected by alpha-gal syndrome, O’Halloran said. “Through this survey, MU Extension hopes to identify gaps in education, support and services so communities across Missouri can be better prepared to respond to the needs of those living with alpha-gal.”
AGS is more than just a health concern; it’s a growing public issue in Missouri and the Midwest, she said. As tick populations climb, more residents are being diagnosed with the condition, which can cause reactions ranging from uncomfortable hives to life-threatening allergic responses after eating red meat or other mammal-derived products. The ripple effects extend to schools, health providers, restaurants and community organizations that must adapt to meet new needs.
Take the Alpha-Gal Needs Assessment Survey.
“Hearing directly from Missourians will help us design outreach programs that make a meaningful difference,” she said.
Information provided will be kept confidential, and no personal identifiers will be collected in the survey, O’Halloran said.
For more information about the survey or MU Extension’s work on alpha-gal syndrome education and outreach, contact O’Halloran at rachelohalloran@missouri.edu or 573-266-2701.
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Lone star tick. Bites from common Missouri ticks such as the lone star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome. People with the condition may experience a variety of effects, including an allergy to red meat. Photo by Adrienne van den Beemt. Shared under a Creative Commons License (CC-BY-4.0).