NSW Parliament alerted to tick‑bite‑induced mammalian meat allergy crisis

Did you know tick bite anaphylaxis is more common than reactions to bee or wasp stings? 

Dr Michael Holland MP, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Labor Member for Bega, has raised growing concerns about tick‑bite‑induced mammalian meat allergy (MMA) and tick bite anaphylaxis in Parliament.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Health has experienced both conditions, as have many residents in his electorate and, in fact, the whole east coast of New South Wales.

Australia has the highest proportion of its population affected by MMA and tick anaphylaxis in the world, with an estimated 113 people out of 100,000 developing the allergy. While 50 per cent of the Australian population live in the east coast region from Cape York to Lakes Entrance, which is occupied by the Australian paralysis tick.

Professor Sheryl van Nunen, NACE Insect Allergy Stream Co-chair, was recognised in the Private Members Statement for documenting the first global case of MMA in 2007 and her ongoing research to help understand the prevalence and prevention strategies for the deadly disease.

Watch Dr Michael Holland's Private Members Statement on Tick Bites.