Lone Star Ticks are not known to carry the vector for Lyme Disease, but they do harbor other noteworthy bacteria. Humans and dogs bitten by this tick can develop Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and erhlichiosis. These illnesses are treatable and complete recovery is possible if detected early. This tick can also transmit the alpha-gal sugar, which is found in non-primate animals, but not humans. Once in a person's bloodstream, a human's body reacts to its presence and a food allergy to red meat develops. This allergy is called alpha-gal syndrome. People who develop it after a tick bite experience an anaphylactic reaction after consuming beef, pork, and lamb. The intensity of the allergic reaction depends on the person. It could mean intense itching, nausea, and hives, or it could cause unconsciousness and worse. People recently diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome usually have to abstain from eating dairy as well as red meat until their particular reaction level to alpha-gal is determined. If a Lone Star Tick is found biting a person or dog, removing it using a pair of tweezers along with its head and mouthparts intact is strongly recommended. Contact your physician if you have been bitten by a Lone Star Tick.
If a dog has many ticks on it, bring it to a veterinarian for tick removal, overall examination, and possible treatment for tick-borne illnesses. Rapid response for canine victims can help reduce discomfort and prevent more serious illnesses from developing.
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General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Lone Star Tick may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Lone Star Tick. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Colors: brown; yellow 
