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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, 2018 - Jun 30, 2019


Success StoryLiving with Alpha-Gal



Living with Alpha-Gal

Author: Lindsay Arthur

Planning Unit: Bourbon County CES

Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - ANR

Plan of Work: Healthy Adults and Youth

Outcome: Intermediate 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 Bourbon 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. (offer context if offered as a collaboration across program areas at the county) 4 people participated in the in-class watch party (add additional information about location/partnership/demographics here).


At the conclusion of the webinar 4 people completed a post-evaluation. Of those surveyed,  100% indicated they could describe alpha-gal syndrome and the common cause and 100 % stated they had a better understanding of which foods, ingredients, and products may trigger symptoms. 100% reported they could identify ways to prevent tick bites, while 100% were more aware of strategies to manage daily life with alpha-gal syndrome. Further, 75% acknowledged they plan to use an identified method for tick bite prevention in the future.






Stories by Lindsay Arthur


I Can Eat a Whole Plant

I Can Eat a Whole Plant

about 6 years ago by Lindsay Arthur

70 Cloverbud aged youth were able to identify the parts of a plant, discuss the function for each pa... Read More


Nicholas County Youth Livestock Shows

Nicholas County Youth Livestock Shows

about 6 years ago by Lindsay Arthur

The Nicholas County Youth Livestock Shows were held June 15th - 22nd at the county livestock pavilio... Read More


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2019 4-H Teen Conference

2019 4-H Teen Conference

about 5 years ago by Lois Carter

The 95th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 10-13, 2019... Read More


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Based on information from the Engineering For Kids website, according to the U. S. Department of C... Read More