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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryLiving with Alpha-Gal Syndrome



Living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Author: Carrie Spry

Planning Unit: Clark County CES

Major Program: Horticulture, Consumer and Home

Plan of Work: Promote Health and Wellness

Outcome: Initial Outcome

While still considered “rare” relative to other medical issues in the state, Kentucky is one of the states with the most cases of alpha-gal syndrome in the US, according to the CDC, with some Kentucky counties presenting the highest cases per capita in the country. This condition is developed in some people after a bit from a lone star tick. There is no known treatment for alpha-gal syndrome. Instead, lifestyle changes can be made that help manage and reduce the symptoms. This includes removing all foods from mammalian sources (e.g., beef, pork) as well as ingredients and byproducts derived from mammalian sources. This lifestyle change can seem overwhelming and daunting for those newly diagnosed. Further, tick bite prevention is key in preventing future cases and worsening symptoms in Kentuckians.

 To educate Extension clientele about alpha gal syndrome, the Clark County Extension Office hosted an in-person watch party for the Living with Alpha Gal-Syndrome statewide webinar on May 29, 2025. This webinar focused on basic information about alpha gal syndrome, symptoms, diagnosis, nutrition and lifestyle management, as well as tick bite prevention. This webinar was hosted at the state level in response to the growing number of questions and concerns received across Kentucky from growers, producers, farmers, and other clientele. In Clark County, the FCS agent and the Horticulture Agent worked together to host, where 11 people participated in the in-class watch party.  One of the participants has AGS and shared his story with the rest. This participant provided great insight and really helped bring al of the points together and made it hit home for everyone.

 At the conclusion of the webinar 100% of the participants completed a post-evaluation. Of those surveyed, 100% indicated they could describe alpha-gal syndrome and the common cause, and they now had a better understanding of which foods, ingredients, and products may trigger symptoms.  100% reported they could identify ways to prevent tick bites and that they were more aware of strategies to manage daily life with alpha-gal syndrome. Further, all participants acknowledged they plan to use an identified method for tick bite prevention in the future.






Stories by Carrie Spry


Living with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

about 2 days ago by Carrie Spry

While still considered “rare” relative to other medical issues in the state, Kentucky is one of the ... Read More


Blooming Buddies Partnership

about 2 days ago by Carrie Spry

Learning how to grow ones own food is a topic that has increased in popularity over the past couple ... Read More


Stories by Clark County CES


4-H Quilt Camp

4-H Quilt Camp

about 10 months ago by Aubrey Lawson

Clark County 4-H Agent offered two sessions of a four-day 4-H quilting day camp series this summer t... Read More


Blooming Buddies Partnership

yesterday by Carrie Spry

Learning how to grow ones own food is a topic that has increased in popularity over the past couple ... Read More


Stories by Horticulture, Consumer and Home


Garden Start Up Kits

Garden Start Up Kits

about 22 days ago by Chuck Flowers

To maintain client engagement during the spring, the Agriculture and Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS... Read More


Homesteading Series on Jelly and Salsa Making

Homesteading Series on Jelly and Salsa Making

about 1 months ago by Katie Hughes

Describe the Issue or Situation.The homesteading series had different classes throughout the year, t... Read More