With the rise in this tick-borne illness, awareness and prevention can help keep you safe
By Gilbert Randolph
When Joshua Hobbs, Montana coordinating wildlife biologist III for Pheasants Forever, contracted Alpha Gal Syndrome from a tick bite, it forced him to make some significant changes to his lifestyle.
Alpha Gal syndrome is a new and emerging allergic condition that can have life-changing implications for ranchers and sportsman alike. This condition is triggered by a tick bite, from the Lone Star tick, which can introduce a carbohydrate known as galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (Alpha Gal) into the bloodstream. For those who develop this allergy, exposure to this sugar through the consumption of red meat and other products derived from mammals can lead to severe allergic reactions.
People with Alpha Gal syndrome may experience various symptoms, including hives, gastrointestinal cramps or distress, and even anaphylaxis, typically occurring three to six hours after eating mammalian products, particularly occurring at night.
"This delayed reaction made it very difficult to diagnose and many nights contemplating going to the emergency room. It's very important for ranchers, who often work closely with livestock and may consume meat regularly, to be aware of this condition."
For sportsmen and women who work with dogs or tick-prone wild game, it's vital to do regular checks of themselves and hunting dogs.
Learning to live with Alpha Gal syndrome requires a significant change in dietary habits. Affected individuals must avoid not only red meat but also gelatins, dairy products, and certain medications derived from mammals. Reading ingredient labels is therefore a crucial part of managing this disease.
"I really enjoyed eating beef, elk and venison," Hobbs says. "I've still been able to maintain an active lifestyle by focusing on a diverse diet of chicken, pheasant, grouse, other game fowl, fish, vegetables, and plant-based proteins. I need that variety because trust me, there are only so many ways to prepare chicken."
Ranchers and hunters can take preventive measures to keep their chances of getting bit lower. Clothing choice is one of the best ways to keep these hitchhikers off your body. Wearing long pants, tall socks and taller boots or shoes can help keep them off your ankles. Tucking in shirts, wearing a hat and keeping your hair up can help keep them away from your waistline and hair. Pairing these practices with insect repellents such as permethrin, as well as a regular tick-check during and after outdoors activities will give you the best chance to avoid getting bitten.
While alpha gal is one of the more frightening symptoms of tick bites, it's not the only one to be worried about. It's best to consult a medical professional if you experience a large rash around a tick bite, fever and flu-like symptoms, joint pain or fatigue after being bitten. These may be indicators of other tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme's disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
While learning about tick-borne illnesses is sobering, taking preventative steps to keep ticks off will help ensure you can continue to work and recreate in the great outdoors.