<P> Bites from certain ticks, such as the lone star tick in the US, which can transfer this carbohydrate to a victim, have been implicated in the development of this delayed allergic response to consumption of mammalian meat products . Despite myths to the contrary, individuals with alpha - gal allergy do not need to become vegetarians, because poultry, fish, and in some people, lean meat such as venison do not trigger a reaction . </P> <P> The allergy most often occurs in the central and southern United States, which corresponds to the distribution of the lone star tick . In the Southern United States, where the tick is most prevalent, allergy rates are 32% higher than elsewhere . However, as doctors are not required to report the number of patients with alpha - gal allergy, the true number of affected individuals is unknown . While no cure is known, symptoms of the allergy may recede over time . </P> <P> A typical allergic reaction to alpha - gal has a delayed onset, occurring 3--8 hours after the consumption of mammalian meat products, in contrast to the typical rapid onset of most food allergies . After the delayed onset, the allergic response is like most food allergies, and especially an IgE - mediated allergy, including severe whole - body itching, hives, angioedema, gastrointestinal upset, and possible anaphylaxis . In 70% of cases the reaction is accompanied by respiratory distress and as such is particularly harmful to those with asthma . </P> <P> Alpha - gal allergies are the first known food allergies that present the possibility of delayed anaphylaxis . It is also the first known food - related allergy associated with a carbohydrate, rather than a protein . </P>

Lone star tick disease cannot eat meat