Victoria Fitzmaurice, NSW Central Coast
Being out in the bush is an opportunity to connect with nature, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and explore incredible beauty. However, as tick populations continue to expand across many regions, there is an emerging health issue along Australia’s east coast that outdoor enthusiasts should know about: Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS).
Alpha-gal Syndrome is a potentially life-changing or fatal allergy that develops after the bite of an adult female tick, whose injected saliva causes the allergy later. Unlike most food allergies whose symptoms appear immediately, AGS causes an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, found in mammalian meat and many mammalian-derived products. Once sensitised, a person may react to beef, lamb, pork, venison, goat, kangaroo, dairy products, gelatin, some medications, medical implants and even personal care products containing mammalian ingredients.
One of the greatest challenges of AGS is that reactions may become evident from 10 minutes to 10 hours after eating, making diagnosis difficult. Symptoms can range from hives, severe stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea and breathing difficulties to life-threatening anaphylaxis. For some people, even exposure through skin contact with raw meat, inhaling cooking fumes from barbecues, or ingredients hidden in medicines can trigger serious reactions.
Although Alpha-gal Syndrome has been widely recognised overseas, awareness in Australia remains limited despite increasing reports of tick-borne allergies. For those who spend time outdoors, understanding the risks is becoming more important.
Avoiding tick bites is straightforward. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, preferably light-coloured so ticks are easier to spot. Tuck trousers into socks, stay on marked tracks where possible, and use an effective insect repellent with DEET. After your walk, thoroughly check yourself, children and pets for ticks, paying particular attention to warm, moist, hidden areas such as behind the knees, around the waist, underarms and scalp.
If you find an attached tick, current Australian advice recommends FREEZE DON’T SQUEEZE (www.tiara.org.au). Squeezing or disturbing it will increase the chance of the tick actively injecting saliva. Use TickOff or LyClear to quickly kill it. Seek medical advice if later you develop symptoms following a tick bite or experience unexplained allergic reactions after eating mammalian foods. In a blood test, ask for an IgE test for Alpha Gal Syndrome if you experience any symptoms previously described. Ambulance officers, pharmacists, doctors and other health professionals are often unaware of AGS, so you need to mention it to them.
For those already living with Alpha-gal Syndrome, everyday life can become extraordinarily complex. Careful label reading, dietary restrictions and ongoing vigilance become part of daily routine. Many people also face challenges when accessing medications, vaccines and medical treatments, because mammalian-derived ingredients are not always clearly identified.
Tick awareness is just as important as sun protection, hydration and carrying the right gear. By understanding the potential risks associated with tick bites, taking sensible preventative measures and getting tested for unexplained symptoms after a bite, Australia’s remarkable natural environments can still be enjoyed. Simple precautions today could prevent a lifelong condition tomorrow.