More lone star ticks, which cause red meat allergy, hit Wisconsin

Key Points:

• Lone star ticks, the primary carriers of alpha-gal syndrome causing red meat and dairy allergies, are increasingly found in Wisconsin, with 33 reported this year compared to six in 2025, likely due to climate change and increased tick activity.
• While lone star ticks have historically been limited to the southeastern U.S., warming temperatures are allowing their range to expand northward, though Wisconsin has yet to see established populations as evidenced by the scattered locations of tick findings.
• Alpha-gal syndrome, transmitted through tick bites, can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, and although diagnoses are not mandatory to report in Wisconsin, cases are being identified, prompting increased awareness and prevention efforts.
• Other tick species, such as deer ticks common in the Midwest, may also carry alpha-gal, though less frequently, suggesting a broader risk of red meat allergy beyond lone star tick bites.
• Individuals diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome must avoid mammal meat and certain products containing gelatin, and health authorities recommend protective measures such as wearing long clothing, using repellents, and conducting thorough tick checks to reduce bite risk.