Now, tick bites trigger a deadly meat allergy — and even the SMELL of sizzling bacon can trigger a reaction like itching and trouble breathing
- The bizarre allergy is quite rare, but anecdotal evidence suggests it may be on the rise
- NHS Highland wants to get a better idea of how people are being affected
Hill walkers and farm workers have been warned that tick bites could trigger a potentially deadly meat allergy.
Eating a steak, burger, or even certain candy can induce life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Just walking past a butcher shop or the smell of sizzling bacon can trigger excruciating itching and difficulty breathing.
Cases of the bizarre allergy are relatively rare — but anecdotal reports suggest the numbers could be rising. Now a Scottish NHS committee will be conducting research into this allergy.
NHS Highland wants to get a better idea of how many people are affected and how many are affected. Ticks are also responsible for transmitting Lyme disease, which can lead to debilitating neurological symptoms.
Hill walkers and farm workers have been warned that tick bites could trigger a potentially deadly meat allergy
The lamb almost killed me
Patrick Sinclair was bitten in 2016 and developed symptoms after eating lamb
Retired deerstalker Patrick Sinclair nearly died after contracting the rare allergy.
Mr Sinclair – brother of Liberal Democrat counterpart Lord Thurso – was bitten in 2016 and developed symptoms after eating lamb.
He said, “I got very itchy and took antihistamines.” The next morning I had another lamb bite and it really upset me. I had trouble breathing.’
Paramedics treated Mr Sinclair, 68, but he ended up in hospital weeks later after eating rabbit and venison.
A specialist told Mr Sinclair to give up meat for three years. However, three months ago he reacted differently, blaming a new tick bite.
Mr Sinclair, who lives near Loch More, Caithness, now has a life-saving EpiPen nearby.
He said, “After a while without being bitten, my body isn’t as sensitive. But the little nymph ticks get me, often in my own yard.”
Frances Hines, Research, Development and Innovation Manager at NHS Highland, said: “We recognize that given our high tick population it will likely be problematic for Scotland, especially Highland.” Part of that has to do with climate change – the warmer your climate gets, the more likely you are to support tick prevalence.
“We’re no longer tick season in Highland — they’re year-round.” “Tick populations around the world are increasing and moving.”
Meat allergy, Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS), is triggered by a specific sugar found in meats such as venison, beef, rabbit, lamb, pork and bacon.
The tick bite transfers the sugar molecule into the body, triggering an immune response in some people. Those affected also have to be careful with dairy products and products containing gelatine, such as some sweets and medicines.
The syndrome was first reported in 2009 by researchers in the US state of Virginia. The severity varies from person to person.
Ms Hines, whose partner has the condition, said: “It is a very bad condition and it is largely up to the individual to manage it.”
“When you get AGS, it can get worse over time. It can be very difficult to deal with.”
She has now drawn up plans for the first UK research into the condition.
The number of people affected is difficult to estimate – but of the 55 people in Ms Hines’ unit, two had family members with the allergy.
She added, “That’s a tiny sample, but even if it’s 1 in 100 or 500 people, it’s still a pretty large number.”