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Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FDA Approves BRAVECTO ® QUANTUM (Fluralaner for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension) from Merck Animal Health
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of BRAVECTO ® QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) – a new, once-yearly 1 injectable product to treat and protect dogs from fleas and ticks. The product is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide by August 2025. BRAVECTO QUANTUM was first approved in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, followed by the European Union (EU) in 2024 and now the U.S. in 2025. In total, BRAVECTO QUANTUM is currently approved in more than 50 countries worldwide. 'We take great pride in our company's leadership in long-acting preventative parasiticides and are excited to offer a convenient option that gives dogs year-round 1 comprehensive protection from fleas and ticks in one easy injection they can receive from their veterinarian,' said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health. 'The approval of BRAVECTO QUANTUM sets a new standard in pet care by providing veterinarians and pet parents with a safe and effective option when it comes to flea and tick protection for dogs.' BRAVECTO QUANTUM kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and for the treatment and control of tick infestations – Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) for 12 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is also indicated for the treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is the first and only parasiticide that protects against fleas and ticks for an entire year with a single dose, offering longer flea and tick protection than any other systemic product currently on the market. 'Though people often think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, they can be a threat year-round, especially knowing it only takes a few warm days for ticks to become active,' said Frank Guerino, Ph.D., associate vice president of Global Pharmaceutical Development, Merck Animal Health. 'With BRAVECTO QUANTUM, a single dose provides year-long, continuous protection, simplifying care for both pet owners and veterinarians, and promoting compliance.' BRAVECTO QUANTUM utilizes a unique, patented composition of fluralaner that allows effective levels to be maintained for as long as 12 months. Fleas and ticks are a nuisance and pose serious risk to both animal and human health as they can transmit serious diseases. Fleas can also cause severe allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Many fleas and ticks can live in both warm and cold temperatures, making continuous year-round protection of utmost importance for pets and people. BRAVECTO QUANTUM exemplifies Merck Animal Health's commitment to groundbreaking science and has been recognized as a winner of the 2024 Edison Awards and the 2024 S&P Global Awards for Best New Companion Animal Product. For more information, visit or follow BRAVECTO on Instagram @ 1 BRAVECTO® QUANTUM is indicated to protect against Amblyomma americanum for 8 months. About BRAVECTO® Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided longer-lasting flea and tick protection, with more than 350 million doses distributed in 100 countries over eight years. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of formulations, including products for both dogs and cats. The flea lifecycle can last as long as 12 weeks, and monthly treatments may leave gaps in protection. Providing pets with continuous flea and tick protection is essential – whether the pet goes outside or not. Contrary to popular belief among pet owners, fleas and ticks are not only active in the spring and summer months and are a year-round risk. Fleas and ticks can easily latch onto dogs and cats and can spread serious diseases. Fleas are the most common external parasite found on pets. BRAVECTO products are only available through licensed veterinarians. Important Safety Information BRAVECTO QUANTUM: indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and for the treatment and control of tick infestations [Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)] for 12 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is also indicated for the treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions in a US field study included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes and pruritus. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 months of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The safety of BRAVECTO QUANTUM has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use of BRAVECTO (fluralaner) Chews in breeding females. For use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews: indicated for dogs 8 weeks of age and older. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include itching, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH is not effective against A. americanum in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia and pruritus. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use in breeding females. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. BRAVECTO PLUS Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, itching, diarrhea, lethargy, dry skin, elevated ALT, and hypersalivation. BRAVECTO PLUS has not been shown to be effective for 2 months in kittens less than 6 months of age. Use with caution in cats that are heartworm positive. The effectiveness of BRAVECTO PLUS to prevent heartworm disease after bathing or water immersion has not been evaluated. BRAVECTO has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks' duration in puppies or kittens less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews and Topical Solution for dogs is not effective against the lone star tick beyond 8 weeks of dosing. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs and Cats and BRAVECTO PLUS for cats are for topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. The safety of BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats and BRAVECTO PLUS has not been established in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats. All BRAVECTO products contain fluralaner, which is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders. About Merck Animal Health At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world's most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals ®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the 'company') includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (
Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FDA Approves BRAVECTO® QUANTUM (Fluralaner for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension) from Merck Animal Health
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of BRAVECTO® QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) – a new, once-yearly1 injectable product to treat and protect dogs from fleas and ticks. The product is expected to be available at veterinary clinics and hospitals nationwide by August 2025. BRAVECTO QUANTUM was first approved in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, followed by the European Union (EU) in 2024 and now the U.S. in 2025. In total, BRAVECTO QUANTUM is currently approved in more than 50 countries worldwide. 'We take great pride in our company's leadership in long-acting preventative parasiticides and are excited to offer a convenient option that gives dogs year-round1 comprehensive protection from fleas and ticks in one easy injection they can receive from their veterinarian,' said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health. 'The approval of BRAVECTO QUANTUM sets a new standard in pet care by providing veterinarians and pet parents with a safe and effective option when it comes to flea and tick protection for dogs.' BRAVECTO QUANTUM kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and for the treatment and control of tick infestations – Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) for 12 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is also indicated for the treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is the first and only parasiticide that protects against fleas and ticks for an entire year with a single dose, offering longer flea and tick protection than any other systemic product currently on the market. 'Though people often think of flea and tick season during the summer months, studies have shown that while fleas and ticks are most active from early spring through the fall, they can be a threat year-round, especially knowing it only takes a few warm days for ticks to become active,' said Frank Guerino, Ph.D., associate vice president of Global Pharmaceutical Development, Merck Animal Health. 'With BRAVECTO QUANTUM, a single dose provides year-long, continuous protection, simplifying care for both pet owners and veterinarians, and promoting compliance.' BRAVECTO QUANTUM utilizes a unique, patented composition of fluralaner that allows effective levels to be maintained for as long as 12 months. Fleas and ticks are a nuisance and pose serious risk to both animal and human health as they can transmit serious diseases. Fleas can also cause severe allergic dermatitis in dogs and cats. Many fleas and ticks can live in both warm and cold temperatures, making continuous year-round protection of utmost importance for pets and people. BRAVECTO QUANTUM exemplifies Merck Animal Health's commitment to groundbreaking science and has been recognized as a winner of the 2024 Edison Awards and the 2024 S&P Global Awards for Best New Companion Animal Product. For more information, visit or follow BRAVECTO on Instagram @ 1 BRAVECTO® QUANTUM is indicated to protect against Amblyomma americanum for 8 months. About BRAVECTO® Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided longer-lasting flea and tick protection, with more than 350 million doses distributed in 100 countries over eight years. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of formulations, including products for both dogs and cats. The flea lifecycle can last as long as 12 weeks, and monthly treatments may leave gaps in protection. Providing pets with continuous flea and tick protection is essential – whether the pet goes outside or not. Contrary to popular belief among pet owners, fleas and ticks are not only active in the spring and summer months and are a year-round risk. Fleas and ticks can easily latch onto dogs and cats and can spread serious diseases. Fleas are the most common external parasite found on pets. BRAVECTO products are only available through licensed veterinarians. Important Safety Information BRAVECTO QUANTUM: indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis) and for the treatment and control of tick infestations [Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)] for 12 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is also indicated for the treatment and control of Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) infestations for 8 months in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO QUANTUM (fluralaner for extended-release injectable suspension) for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions in a US field study included lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes and pruritus. BRAVECTO QUANTUM is not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 months of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. The safety of BRAVECTO QUANTUM has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use of BRAVECTO (fluralaner) Chews in breeding females. For use in dogs and puppies 6 months of age and older. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews: indicated for dogs 8 weeks of age and older. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include itching, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH is not effective against A. americanum in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, anorexia and pruritus. In some cases, adverse events have been reported following use in breeding females. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, hair loss, decreased appetite, lethargy, and scabs/ulcerated lesions. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats is not effective against American dog ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. BRAVECTO PLUS Topical Solution for Cats: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, itching, diarrhea, lethargy, dry skin, elevated ALT, and hypersalivation. BRAVECTO PLUS has not been shown to be effective for 2 months in kittens less than 6 months of age. Use with caution in cats that are heartworm positive. The effectiveness of BRAVECTO PLUS to prevent heartworm disease after bathing or water immersion has not been evaluated. BRAVECTO has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks' duration in puppies or kittens less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews and Topical Solution for dogs is not effective against the lone star tick beyond 8 weeks of dosing. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs and Cats and BRAVECTO PLUS for cats are for topical use only. Avoid oral ingestion. The safety of BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats and BRAVECTO PLUS has not been established in breeding, pregnant, and lactating cats. All BRAVECTO products contain fluralaner, which is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Neurologic adverse reactions have been reported in cats receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in cats without a history of neurologic disorders. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders. About Merck Animal Health At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world's most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the 'company') includes 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Authorities raise red flag after tick discovered on dog in Montana: 'We should be on the lookout'
A tick found on a bird dog in Montana could forewarn of Lyme disease spreading into the state. A Bozeman-based hunter recently alerted local health officials in the state to a tick that he found on his French Brittany dog after a pheasant-hunting excursion. The Spokesman-Review reported the news, explaining that the tick was plucked from the dog and shipped to a National Institutes of Health facility, which confirmed it was a deer tick, a Lyme disease-carrying species that has traditionally been found on the East Coast and in the Midwest. In addition, the lab found that the tick may have actually been carrying Lyme disease and relapsing fever, another tick-borne disease. Health officials said that the evidence isn't enough to prove that Lyme disease has moved into the state, however. "What it does say is, 'Well, guess what? We should be on the lookout for these Ixodes scapularis ticks in Eastern Montana,' which is where this tick was from, as well as other parts of the state," Marshall Bloom, a scientist with Rocky Mountain Laboratories, the Montana-based lab that first received the tick and sent it to the NIH, told the Spokesman-Review. Deer ticks have long made themselves at home in the East and Midwest, but they are expanding their range westward, largely due to rising global temperatures that allow them to remain active and survive for longer as the number of days with warm enough temperatures increases slightly, scientists say. In people, Stage 1 Lyme disease can cause symptoms including fever, headache, extreme tiredness, joint stiffness, muscle aches and pains, and swollen lymph nodes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Without treatment, the disease can progress to Stage 2, with more serious symptoms like immune-system activity in heart tissue that causes irregular heartbeats. Stage 3 leads to more severe consequences that can last for months and in some cases years, potentially causing permanent joint, heart, or neurological damage. In dogs, the disease can cause lameness, fever, swollen lymph nodes and joints, and a kidney disease called Lyme nephritis that can lead to edema, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes death, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Montana isn't the only place on the alert as deer ticks continue to expand their range outside of their normal territory. For instance, Lyme disease risk has doubled in the Canadian province of Quebec and tripled in Manitoba between 2000 and 2015, according to one study. Do you worry about getting diseases from bug bites? Absolutely Only when I'm camping or hiking Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The best way to avoid Lyme disease is to avoid ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to walk in the middle of trails to avoid these tiny external parasites and keep legs covered. Another preventative action is spraying footwear, clothing, and camping gear with insecticide that includes 0.5% permethrin — though as always, avoid resorting to chemicals when possible and look to this option more for times when engaging in serious tick risks. There are already a number of medicines on the market that kill ticks that have bitten dogs before they can spread Lyme disease. Make sure to invest in one of these medications to protect your dog. Meanwhile, scientists are working on a new tick-repelling drug for humans that works similar to the chewable tablets we give our dogs. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A meat allergy caused by ticks may be popping up in new parts of the U.S.
It's rare, but in some cases a tick bite can cause a person to develop an allergy to red meat. Most cases, scientists believe, are linked to the lone star tick, a species typically found in the Southeastern U.S. and the lower Midwest. Two case reports published this week, however, suggest that two other species — found elsewhere in the country — may also trigger the allergy. When ticks bite, they release a steady stream of saliva that contains chemicals that keep their victim's blood flowing as they feed. Sometimes, the saliva contains a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. Alpha-gal syndrome, a reaction to the molecule that occurs in some people, causes a red meat allergy. 'Alpha-gal syndrome is relatively rare, but those who have it can have a full-on anaphylactic shock,' said Douglas Norris, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly half a million people in the U.S. have alpha-gal syndrome. 'We do believe the lone star tick is still responsible for most of the cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S.,' said Dr. Johanna Salzer, a veterinary medical officer and epidemiologist with the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. Salzer worked on both of the new case reports, which were published Wednesday in the agency's journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases. Those reports found cases of alpha-gal syndrome in Washington and Maine in two women who hadn't traveled to areas where the lone star tick typically lives. Both women reported being bitten by ticks, which suggests that other species — including Ixodes scapularis, also called black-legged or deer ticks — may also be associated with alpha-gal syndrome, though much more rarely. A related tick, Ixodes pacificus, or the western black-legged tick, was also linked to the Washington case. The CDC's map of suspected cases — which shows high concentrations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Tennessee as well as Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia — 'would look very different if Ixodes scapularis was widely causing it,' Salzer said. However, documented cases being associated with other ticks in the U.S. is 'certainly a big deal,' Matthew Aliota, an associate professor in the department of veterinary and biomedical sciences at the University of Minnesota. Unlike Lyme disease or the Heartland virus, alpha-gal syndrome is not caused by a bacterium or virus. The syndrome is instead an immune reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar found in almost all nonprimate animals, including cows, horses and deer and which can be present in tick saliva. For some people, being exposed to alpha-gal through a tick bite triggers an immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibody response in the body. People who mount this response develop an allergy to meat that can take weeks to months to appear. Alpha-gal syndrome was discovered in 2009, and researchers are still working to answer a lot of questions about it — including why some people react to alpha-gal while many do not. For most people who do develop alpha-gal syndrome, the allergic reaction occurs hours after they eat red meat. 'It's unique because it's a delayed reaction, roughly 2-8 hours, so you can have a hard time knowing the trigger,' Salzer said, noting that with other IgE allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, the reaction is almost immediate. Different people can also have different reactions, which can further complicate diagnosis. In one case, a 61-year-old woman in Washington state went into anaphylactic shock 29 days after she remembers being bitten by a tick on her shoulder: After eating beef tacos, she broke out in hives and her tongue and throat swelled. It happened again after she ate pork. In the other case, a 45-year-old woman in Maine had stomach pain and general malaise about 2 ½ hours after she ate roasted rabbit. About nine days earlier, she had removed a deer tick from her arm. After that first incident, she'd get sick a few hours after she ate any type of red meat. Beef elicited a bout of vomiting and diarrhea that eventually landed her in her doctor's office. Both women tested positive for alpha-gal antibodies, and both recalled their bites being itchy and inflamed. 'Not everyone will have this local reaction, but it is pretty common,' Salzer said, referring to the itchy, inflamed bites. 'But there is a subset of people with alpha-gal syndrome who do not recall being bitten by ticks,' she said. In 2023, the Maine CDC documented 23 cases of confirmed alpha-gal syndrome, but it's unclear how many may have encountered the ticks while traveling. (Lone star ticks are uncommon in Maine and Washington, but they have been found there.) It's also possible that these other tick species in the U.S. have always been associated with alpha-gal, Norris said, but doctors haven't detected it nearly as often as with lone star ticks. Indeed, ticks in Africa, Australia, Central America and Europe and Central America are also known to trigger alpha-gal syndrome. One thing is certain: Ticks, and the diseases they are associated with, are thriving. 'Tick populations in general, and particularly with lone star ticks, are exploding all over the United States,' Aliota said. 'Lone star ticks are moving into bigger geographic areas, and that range is continuing to expand with climate change.' For this reason, it's important to take precautions to avoid tick bites. This includes using bug repellant and wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors during tick season, which typically begins in April. If you've been in wooded areas or tall grass, shower off and do a 'tick check' when you get home. 'The most important thing is preventing the tick bite altogether,' Salzer said. This article was originally published on
NBC News
21-03-2025
- Health
- NBC News
A meat allergy caused by ticks may be popping up in new parts of the U.S.
It's rare, but in some cases a tick bite can cause a person to develop an allergy to red meat. Most cases, scientists believe, are linked to the lone star tick, a species typically found in the Southeastern U.S. and the lower Midwest. Two case reports published this week, however, suggest that two other species — found elsewhere in the country — may also trigger the allergy. When ticks bite, they release a steady stream of saliva that contains chemicals that keep their victim's blood flowing as they feed. Sometimes, the saliva contains a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. Alpha-gal syndrome, a reaction to the molecule that occurs in some people, causes a red meat allergy. 'Alpha-gal syndrome is relatively rare, but those who have it can have a full-on anaphylactic shock,' said Douglas Norris, a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates nearly half a million people in the U.S. have alpha-gal syndrome. 'We do believe the lone star tick is still responsible for most of the cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S.,' said Dr. Johanna Salzer, a veterinary medical officer and epidemiologist with the CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. Salzer worked on both of the new case reports, which were published Wednesday in the agency's journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases. Those reports found cases of alpha-gal syndrome in Washington and Maine in two women who hadn't traveled to areas where the lone star tick typically lives. Both women reported being bitten by ticks, which suggests that other species — including Ixodes scapularis, also called black-legged or deer ticks — may also be associated with alpha-gal syndrome, though much more rarely. A related tick, Ixodes pacificus, or the western black-legged tick, was also linked to the Washington case. The CDC's map of suspected cases — which shows high concentrations in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Tennessee as well as Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia — 'would look very different if Ixodes scapularis was widely causing it,' Salzer said. However, documented cases being associated with other ticks in the U.S. is 'certainly a big deal,' Matthew Aliota, an associate professor in the department of veterinary and biomedical sciences at the University of Minnesota. Unlike Lyme disease or the Heartland virus, alpha-gal syndrome is not caused by a bacterium or virus. The syndrome is instead an immune reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar found in almost all nonprimate animals, including cows, horses and deer and which can be present in tick saliva. For some people, being exposed to alpha-gal through a tick bite triggers an immunoglobulin E, or IgE, antibody response in the body. People who mount this response develop an allergy to meat that can take weeks to months to appear. Alpha-gal syndrome was discovered in 2009, and researchers are still working to answer a lot of questions about it — including why some people react to alpha-gal while many do not. For most people who do develop alpha-gal syndrome, the allergic reaction occurs hours after they eat red meat. 'It's unique because it's a delayed reaction, roughly 2-8 hours, so you can have a hard time knowing the trigger,' Salzer said, noting that with other IgE allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, the reaction is almost immediate. Different people can also have different reactions, which can further complicate diagnosis. In one case, a 61-year-old woman in Washington state went into anaphylactic shock 29 days after she remembers being bitten by a tick on her shoulder: After eating beef tacos, she broke out in hives and her tongue and throat swelled. It happened again after she ate pork. In the other case, a 45-year-old woman in Maine had stomach pain and general malaise about 2 ½ hours after she ate roasted rabbit. About nine days earlier, she had removed a deer tick from her arm. After that first incident, she'd get sick a few hours after she ate any type of red meat. Beef elicited a bout of vomiting and diarrhea that eventually landed her in her doctor's office. Both women tested positive for alpha-gal antibodies, and both recalled their bites being itchy and inflamed. 'Not everyone will have this local reaction, but it is pretty common,' Salzer said, referring to the itchy, inflamed bites. 'But there is a subset of people with alpha-gal syndrome who do not recall being bitten by ticks,' she said. Increasing risk for tick-borne illness In 2023, the Maine CDC documented 23 cases of confirmed alpha-gal syndrome, but it's unclear how many may have encountered the ticks while traveling. (Lone star ticks are uncommon in Maine and Washington, but they have been found there.) It's also possible that these other tick species in the U.S. have always been associated with alpha-gal, Norris said, but doctors haven't detected it nearly as often as with lone star ticks. Indeed, ticks in Africa, Australia, Central America and Europe and Central America are also known to trigger alpha-gal syndrome. One thing is certain: Ticks, and the diseases they are associated with, are thriving. 'Tick populations in general, and particularly with lone star ticks, are exploding all over the United States,' Aliota said. 'Lone star ticks are moving into bigger geographic areas, and that range is continuing to expand with climate change.' For this reason, it's important to take precautions to avoid tick bites. This includes using bug repellant and wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors during tick season, which typically begins in April. If you've been in wooded areas or tall grass, shower off and do a 'tick check' when you get home. 'The most important thing is preventing the tick bite altogether,' Salzer said.
