The red meat allergy hidden in the weeds
Being involved in agriculture puts farmers and ranchers outside in a multitude of environments. From the barn lot and corral to open crop grounds, farmers and ranchers are exposed to many hidden dangers. One overlooked danger that is becoming more prevalent, not just for people, but for livestock and pets, is the increase in tickborne illnesses.
The lone star tick is common in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma and is well known for being a carrier of many common tickborne diseases. One of the emerging diseases that is gaining in attention is Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS). Known as the ‘The Red Meat Allergy’, AGS is a tick-bite associated allergic condition that can vary greatly from person to person with symptoms ranging from hives and GI distress to severe swelling of the lips, tongue and throat and life-threating anaphylaxis.
Characterized by an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a molecule that is naturally produced in the bodies of most mammals but not in people. This molecule is found most commonly in the salvia of the lone star tick in which a bite can result in the transmission of the molecule into people where it may cause the immune system to trigger an allergic reaction.
People with AGS can then have allergic reactions to the alpha-gal sugar that is found in red meat from mammals such as beef, pork, lamb and venison. Products made from mammals such as gelatin, cow’s milk, milk products, and some pharmaceuticals may cause an allergic reaction as well.
The CDC reports that between 2010 and 2022, there were more than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS identified in the United States. However, because the diagnosis of AGS requires a positive diagnostic test and a clinical exam, and some people with AGS may not get tested, it is estimated that as many as 450,000 people in the US may be infected.
In Missouri there currently is no required reporting of AGS within the states medical systems, so it is unknow how many Missourians have AGS. An analysis conducted by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services suggests that since 2021 a possible 7,300-34,000 Missourians may be affected by AGS.
There is exciting news as far as the state of Missouri making AGS a reportable disease. As of February 9th 2026, house bill 1855, introduced by representative Matthew Overcast, would add alpha-gal to Missouri’s list of reportable diseases. It has been referred to the House Health and Mental Health Committee. The bill may be heard by the committee as early as February 19th.
Farmers and ranchers may be unaware they have been infected by a carrier tick but may be experiencing symptoms such as joint pain and muscle aches, fatigue, dizziness and swelling of the eyes, lips, throat and tongue and difficulty breathing. Adding to the confusion of a positive diagnosis of AGS is the lack of clinician awareness and the non-specific and inconsistent symptoms that AGS presents with.
As a farmer/rancher, it is important to take steps to protect yourself from tick bites when working in the field or around livestock that may be in tall grass and trees. If possible, wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent (DEET or permethrin on clothing only) and conduct tick checks at the end of the day. If you have been bitten by a tick, promptly remove with tweezers being careful not to crush the tick which may cause the tick to release saliva into your skin.
Write down the time and location of the bite and monitor yourself for symptoms. It is a myth that you must have a bullseye rash before contracting a tickborne illness, which there are many, but you must seek medical attention if a fever, flu-like symptoms or a rash develops.
Advocating for yourself is very important if you are experiencing symptoms of AGS and you should reach out to your healthcare provider or an allergist and provide a detailed history of symptoms. You can request a blood test that will identify if you have contracted a tickborne disease such as Lyme or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. The testing for alpha-gal is a separate test that can be performed by your healthcare provider or many allergists and chiropractors.
If you are diagnosed with AGS, there will be many changes that affect your day to day on the farm. In upcoming help features, we will touch on some other concerns and how to deal with the constant challenges when living with AGS. As farmers and ranchers, we are always pressed for time and are constantly looking ahead to the next task. Please do not overlook any symptoms that won’t seem to go away especially if you have experienced a tick bite in the past.
