Kansas State University researchers say red meat allergy from tick bites is becoming more common

Studies indicate that less than 10% of people bitten by the Lone Star tick ever develop an allergic reaction to red meat

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State News

February 5, 2025 - 5:14 PM

The Lone Star tick is responsible for most cases of alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy that’s appearing more and more in Kansas. Photo by Kansas State University Research and Extension

Researchers at Kansas State University say the number of cases of an allergic reaction to red meat tied to tick bites is increasing across the state.

Priscilla Brenes, K-State Research and Extension nutrition and wellness specialist, said cases of an allergy called alpha-gal syndrome are becoming more common through more rural areas of Kansas. Alpha-gal syndrome is the term used to describe the allergic reaction to red meats and mammalian related products, most often through a tick bite.

The main parasite responsible for the spread of alpha-gal syndrome is the Lone Star…

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