The Ultimate Guide to Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Kentucky

I never imagined that a simple tick bite could turn my world upside down, but that’s precisely what happened to me this year. Unfortunately, it’s a harsh reality that thousands of other unsuspecting people face each year who develop Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) after being bitten by a tick. What’s even worse is that the number of this diagnosis is rapidly rising here in Kentucky and across the United States! Of all the types of ticks found in Kentucky, there’s one that stands out from them all and causes this unusual allergy.

This bizarre but very real meat allergy forces you to completely rethink your relationship with food, dairy, beverages, and those indulgent desserts you love so much. As unfortunate as it may be, this means you will have to say goodbye to hamburgers, steaks, bacon, sausage, deli meats, and other mammalian meat products. You’ll also need to steer clear of any foods containing carrageenan or gelatin. Even medications and your favorite candy could contain meat by-products like gelatin, meaning you’ll have to avoid these too. To say that life is turned upside down when you contract Alpha-gal is the understatement of the decade!

All of this might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but it’s a very real and growing concern that is spreading across Kentucky and the country at an alarming rate.

Let’s dig into what it is, how it is contracted, how it affects those who develop it, and find some interesting facts about ticks.

What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to a sugar molecule (this is a reaction to the sugar in mammals, which is a carbohydrate, NOT the mammalian proteins) called galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). This sugar is found in mammals and old-world monkeys, but not in humans, fish, birds, or reptiles. When someone with AGS consumes mammalian meat or other mammalian products, such as beef, pork, lamb, milk, cheese, butter, or other mammal-derived products, they can experience allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe, including the potential for anaphylactic shock.

Note: Many people refer to Alpha-gal as a red meat allergy, but that label can be pretty misleading. While traditional red meat, such as beef and lamb, might be off-limits, you can still enjoy meat from alternative sources like ostrich and emu. Interestingly, pork, often referred to as ‘the other white meat,’ may not be safe for everyone either. It’s essential to remember that allergic reactions can originate from sources beyond just meat itself. In fact, any part of the animal, including milk, bones, blood, and various by-products, can trigger mild to severe allergic responses.

What Does Alpha-gal Cause in Humans?

In many cases, individuals with Alpha-gal syndrome may experience symptoms or allergic reactions when they consume, touch, smell, or are near mammalian meat or products derived from mammals. This includes the preparation, cooking, serving, and reheating of these foods. In some cases, the patient may be unable to enter a restaurant or home where these products are handled or prepared.

There are numerous documented instances where people with alpha-gal have had to replace cookware, stoves, plastic storage containers, microwaves, and other kitchen utensils simply because they have previously been used to cook or serve mammalian meat or mammalian products.

In addition to allergic reactions caused by food and food preparation, some individuals may have sensitivities to everyday items, such as clothing, personal belongings, or furniture. These allergies often stem from materials made or derived from mammals. Interestingly, there have even been cases where people experienced reactions simply from sitting on leather-covered seats.

While some of these are extreme and not always the norm, they are real problems that affect many people who contract Alpha-gal. As crazy as it may sound, Alpha-gal is a very real allergy that affects people in different ways but always results in some allergic reaction to mammalian meat and meat products. If you or someone you know has contracted Alpha-gal, be cautious. It may even be a good idea to carry an Epi-Pen just in case!

While some of the experiences associated with Alpha-gal may seem extreme and are not representative of everyone, they reflect real challenges faced by many individuals with this condition. As surprising as it might seem, Alpha-gal is a real allergy that impacts real people in real ways, which usually leads to adverse reactions to mammalian meat and related products. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alpha-gal, it’s essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. Carrying an EpiPen can be a wise decision to help ensure safety in the event of an allergic reaction.

Of course, always consult with your physician to ensure your health. Be sure to discuss any adverse reactions or allergies you notice. Your doctor may instruct you to keep a diary detailing all the foods and drinks you consume. In some cases, this can help isolate which products are causing the reactions. Always remember that allergic reactions can often appear without warning. If you think you may have Alpha-gal, consult a doctor right away!

How is AGS Contracted?

The primary way people contract AGS is through tick bites (signs and symptoms can begin as early as 2 weeks or surface as long as 6 months later). If a tick bites you, you might suddenly find yourself having allergic reactions to your favorite foods. Trust me, it’s not fun discovering your body now sees that juicy burger as an enemy! Ticks are dangerous vectors of several illnesses and diseases and should be taken seriously.

New data is emerging that may also potentially link Alpha-gal to chigger bites. As of June 2025, we have not found this data to be conclusive. However, as new information becomes available, we will update our blog accordingly.

The Lone Star Tick: The Primary Vector

Currently, we know that Alpha-Gal is carried in the saliva of the Lone Star Tick (LST). Recent research presented at the 2018 AAAAI Annual Conference observed that the LST does not need to bite a mammal to contract Alpha-gal (AG). Instead, these ticks are born with AG in their saliva. This means that when the LST bites a person, that bite can transfer AG into the bloodstream, triggering the immune system to develop an allergic response, even if the tick has not previously fed from any other animal.

These aggressive little ticks are spreading beyond their traditional southeastern stomping grounds, bringing AGS with them. In the last decade alone, Lone Star ticks and Alpha-gal have been on the rise in Kentucky, with sightings moving both north and west. So, if you spend time outdoors in tick country, you’ll want to be extra cautious. Using personal protection measures to prevent tick bites is essential. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Personal Repellants for Mosquitoes and Ticks in Kentucky to help reduce your chances of a tick bite!

Habits of the Lone Star Tick:

• Geographic Range: Predominantly found in the southeastern and eastern United States, but its range is rapidly expanding.
• Appearance: Named for the distinctive white star-like spot on the back of the adult female.
• Behavior: These ticks are aggressive feeders and actively seek out hosts, making outdoor activities a risk factor for bites. They don’t fly, but they do have a unique way to attach to hosts.

For more facts about the Lone Star Tick, check out this blog!