Episode

The “bullies of the tick world” are on the hunt

Podcast: Fresh Air
Published: Jul 1, 2026
Duration seconds: 2748
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Canonical source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/01/nx-s1-5877720/the-bullies-of-the-tick-world-are-on-the-hunt
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Summary

The lone star tick seeks out its blood meal and transmits a potentially dangerous allergy to red meat. ‘New Yorker’ staff writer Burkhard Bilger talks with Terry Gross about his reporting on the tick-borne alpha-gal syndrome, and how doctors, scientists and pest control experts are responding. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter Follow us on Instagram Subscribe to our YouTube channel Check out the Fresh Air Archives See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy