Bill Adding Alpha-gal Syndrome to State Reporting Heads to Governor’s Desk

OKLAHOMA CITY – A bill that would add the condition commonly known as the red meat allergy to the state’s list of reportable diseases and conditions is now headed to the governor’s desk for final consideration.

Senate Bill 1644, authored by Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, would require health care providers and laboratories to report suspected cases of alpha-gal syndrome and add the condition to the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s list of reportable diseases and conditions.

“Because symptoms can vary widely and there is no single definitive test, it is important we capture suspected cases across the state to improve awareness and prevention,” Roe said. “By tracking alpha-gal syndrome in Oklahoma, we can better inform the public and help reduce future cases through early detection.”

Alpha-gal syndrome is a tick-borne allergic condition caused by the bite of the lone star tick (amblyomma americanum). The condition can trigger a delayed allergic reaction, typically three to six hours after consuming red meat or other mammalian products, due to the body’s immune response to the alpha-gal sugar molecule.

Those most at risk include individuals who spend extended time outdoors and those exposed to tick habitats. Roe said the legislation intends to provide data as cases increase across the country and for the state to tap into federal funds to help with research once the number of cases is known.

“We have many hunters, farmers and outdoor workers who could experience alpha-gal in our state, and with its growing prevalence across the country, it is important we get an accurate picture of the numbers,” Roe said. “We also need to identify where cases are occurring in Oklahoma and position ourselves to access any available federal resources to help address it.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 0.15% of Americans have been diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, though the actual number is believed to be higher due to underreporting and the condition not being nationally notifiable. By requiring suspected cases to be reported at the state level, SB1644 aims to bridge the gap and improve understanding of the condition’s impact in Oklahoma.

If signed into law, the SB1644 will take effect Nov. 1.