Letter: Beware, meat allergy ticks are in Maine

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 6, 2026

This is in response to the recent story about not worrying about tick bites and allergies to red meat. I have been diagnosed with AGS — Alpha Gal Syndrome — which is indeed being allergic to red meat from a tick bite. Studies now are indicating that the blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick, can carry this also. I’m now in my third year with this allergy. When in doubt, remove the tick safely and save it for the doctor’s visit. ~ Robert Rooney, Vassalboro