The alpha-gal tick, also known as the Lone Star tick, is a species of tick that can transmit a sugar molecule called alpha-gal (galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose) into the bloodstream of humans. This sugar is present in the meat of most mammals, including beef, pork, lamb, and venison.
When a person who is allergic to alpha-gal is bitten by an alpha-gal tick, their immune system develops antibodies against alpha-gal. When they later consume mammalian meat, their body releases these antibodies, leading to an allergic reaction known as alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).
This is beyond phucked up. My large animal vet told me his sister in law got it - was SO SENSITIVE that she had to take out her stove/range/hood because of minute amounts of cooking residue would set her off. Totally vegan now. Can't eat out, can't bear neighborhood BBQ smoke etc etc.
I dunno... I'd contemplate eating a bullet at that point...
Oh yeah? Pffft ...
Tick borne bioweapon Alpha Gal enters the chat...
This is beyond phucked up. My large animal vet told me his sister in law got it - was SO SENSITIVE that she had to take out her stove/range/hood because of minute amounts of cooking residue would set her off. Totally vegan now. Can't eat out, can't bear neighborhood BBQ smoke etc etc.
I dunno... I'd contemplate eating a bullet at that point...