Urbanization and Environmental Factors Linked to Rise in Tick-Borne Meat Allergy in Mid-Atlantic US

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill suggests a connection between land development patterns and the increasing prevalence of Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a tick-borne allergy to meat, in the United States. This condition, characterized by allergic reactions to mammalian meat, appears to be influenced by environmental changes associated with urbanization.

The study analyzed data from 462 confirmed AGS patients in the UNC Health system, utilizing environmental models that considered land cover and topography. The findings, published in PLOS Climate, highlight that habitat fragmentation—often caused by open-space development and low-density areas—may facilitate the spread of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), which transmits the allergy-inducing molecule galactose-α-1,3-galactose.

In the US, AGS symptoms typically manifest 2 to 6 hours after consuming meat from animals such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, or rabbit. Clinical presentations vary from mild rashes to severe, life-threatening reactions like low blood pressure, swelling, dizziness, and respiratory difficulties. The condition’s incidence has surged dramatically—from 24 suspected cases in 2009 to over 34,000 in 2019—especially in the mid-Atlantic region.

Environmental factors like land use change and climate change are contributing to this trend. Models indicated that open-space urban development and habitat fragmentation create favorable conditions for the tick habitat, increasing human-tick encounters. Interestingly, the geographic distribution of AGS cases doesn’t perfectly match known tick ranges, partly due to reporting limitations and low awareness among healthcare providers.

The study emphasizes that human behaviors, such as encroachment into tick habitats and land development, play a key role in the rise of tick-borne diseases like AGS. As climate change and urban sprawl continue, these patterns are likely to persist, making public education and environmental management crucial for disease prevention.

For further details, see the original study: Brandon D. Hollingsworth et al, Environmental risk and Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) in the Mid-Atlantic United States, PLOS Climate (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-borne-meat-allergy-urbanization-mid.html