Tick bites snag Congress’ attention as red meat allergies rise
Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, is using his personal battle with alpha-gal syndrome—a tick-borne red meat allergy affecting at least 450,000 Americans—to push for increased research and legislation. The disease, caused by lone star tick bites, triggers potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to red meat and mammalian products. Griffith, who cannot eat beef or dairy, advocates for the Kay Hagan Tick Act to enhance monitoring and research. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also prioritized tick-borne disease elimination. The House passed its version of the tick research bill, while the Senate has yet to act. Alpha-gal syndrome is the fastest-growing tick-borne disease in the U.S., with up to 75% of sufferers experiencing anaphylaxis.
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