Tick-Borne Illness and Emu

by | May 13, 2023 | Lander's Corner, Me & McGee Partners

Tick-Borne Illness and Emu 

By Logan Duvall 

 

A few years ago, my older sister was diagnosed with an unusual allergy to meat caused by a tick-borne disease known as Alpha-Gal. Having had personal experiences with tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever during my childhood and some familiarity with Lyme disease, this revelation about a new tick-induced illness naturally piqued my curiosity.

 

The concept of Alpha-Gal allergy was first introduced by a group of allergy specialists in Georgia in 2009. However, it received little attention initially. However, this changed when a professor from Virginia made a groundbreaking discovery linking the occurrence of Alpha-Gal allergy with areas showing high cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and the usage of a new cancer treatment drug. This reignited interest in the subject and placed Alpha-Gal allergy under the research spotlight.

 

Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, a distinguished researcher from the University of Virginia’s Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, has spent more than two decades studying the increasing instances of meat allergies caused by tick bites. In a recent discussion with UVA Today, he shared valuable insights from his ongoing research. In addition, he highlighted the need for awareness of symptoms that could surface following a tick bite.

 

His team’s research has shown that areas with a high incidence of tick-related diseases, like Rocky Mountain spotted fever, also have a higher prevalence of Alpha-Gal allergy. This work has been instrumental in broadening our understanding and awareness of this unique allergy.

 

Alpha-Gal allergy is triggered by a type of sugar found in animals such as cows, sheep, and pigs. Humans can’t break down this sugar. However, a bite from a specific type of tick, known as the Lone Star tick, can change this. After a bite, people might react negatively to this sugar when eating meats like beef, lamb, or pork.

 

Dr. Platts-Mills explained that the allergic reaction might not be immediate. Instead, it usually manifests a few hours after consumption of red meat, with symptoms ranging from mild issues like hives and itching to more severe reactions like stomach problems and swelling. In the worst cases, individuals can experience a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.

 

Medical professionals may recommend antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors to manage these allergic reactions. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with Alpha-Gal allergy are advised to make necessary dietary modifications.

 

Those with Alpha-Gal allergies can still enjoy poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins despite the restrictions. And for those who still crave the taste and texture of red meat, there’s an alternative: Emu meat. 

 

Thanks to farms like Gum Creek Emu Farm in Arkansas, Emu meat has become increasingly available in markets, providing a suitable option for red meat enthusiasts navigating the challenges of Alpha-Gal allergy.

 

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