Texans: Lone Star Tick May End Your Meat Eating Habits

The Lone Star tick: a new worry for Texans this summer. Bites from this arachnid, found in the eastern, southeastern, and south-central US, may result in an allergy to red meat.

The Tick's Impact

• Name: Distinguished by a lone white dot or "star" on the adult female's back.
• Bite Effects: Can cause alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic reaction with symptoms including hives, itching, swelling, and breathing issues. May occur 3-6 hours after eating red meat due to a sugar molecule in the tick's saliva.
• Prevalence: CDC estimates up to 450,000 people may be affected but not reported it.
• Treatment and Prevention: From the Mayo Clinic: Cover up, use bug spray, check yourself and kids for ticks, shower, and remove ticks quickly.

PETA's Request

PETA urges Texas Gov. Abbott to name the Lone Star tick the state arachnid due to its meat-allergy causing abilities, saying:

"...their bite can lead to alpha-gal syndrome, causing an allergic reaction to red meat and dairy products...no one should still be clinging to that dirty old meat-eating habit..."

Original Sources:

• CDC
• Mayo Clinic
• PETA