Source: University of Minnesota
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a new initiative aimed at reducing Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, including a pilot program focused on eliminating ticks on animals before they can infect people. Working with the CDC, the New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases, tribal partners, and local communities, the effort seeks to reduce tick populations and interrupt breeding cycles. The announcement comes amid heightened tick activity nationwide, with emergency department visits for tick bites reaching their highest levels since 2017.
The initiative also targets alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially serious allergy to red meat and dairy linked to lone star tick bites. HHS plans to support research and product development aimed at preventing the condition. By 2035, the agency hopes to reduce Lyme disease diagnoses by 25% compared to 2022 levels. Additional funding will support LymeX innovation challenges focused on public education, improved treatments, and artificial intelligence tools designed to improve diagnosis, care access, and patient support.