As meat allergies from tick bites become more common in the U.S., here’s what we know about cases in Canada – CTV
Aug. 2, 2023
A species of tick that can cause an unusual red meat allergy is becoming more common in the U.S., American health authorities say. But while sightings of this tick are rare in Canada, experts say the species could become more widespread north of the border.
Known as the lone star tick for the distinctive white mark on its back, the tick has been linked to more than 100,000 U.S. cases of so-called alpha-gal syndrome since 2010. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the tick has not yet been established in Canada.
Jade Savage is a biology professor at Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, Que., and the principal investigator at eTick.ca, a website that monitors tick populations in Canada.
