News
A collection of local and national news on ticks, tick-borne illnesses and Tick Free MV
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The New York Times: Tick Risks Are Changing Across the U.S.
A region-by-region look at how shifting deer populations, climate change, and land use are expanding tick ranges and bringing new disease risks — including Lyme, alpha-gal, and spotted fever — to new parts of the country.
The Newyorker: The Tick That Hunts Down Its Hosts—Including Us
A sweeping long-form feature tracing the global spread of alpha-gal syndrome, centered on Martha's Vineyard and featuring Patrick Roden-Reynolds, Lea Hamner, and Virginia Barbatti. Staff writer Burkhard Bilger also travels to Missouri to document the syndrome's devastating toll on farming families, situating the Vineyard as both ground zero and a potential testing ground for solutions. Published in the July 6 & 13 print issue as "The Great Infestation."
The MV Times: Gov. Healey Backs Island Leaders on Tick Mitigation
Additional coverage of the West Tisbury tick roundtable, with fuller context on the economic stakes, the Wampanoag Tribe's concerns about chemical treatments, and striking data from Lea Hamner — including 300 new alpha-gal cases in just three months and 200 new Lyme cases since January.
The Vineyard Gazette: Governor Pledges Support in Fight Against Ticks
Governor Healey joins Island leaders at a West Tisbury roundtable to discuss state funding and action on deer management, alpha-gal data collection, and tick bite prevention on Martha's Vineyard.
The Vineyard Gazette: Tick Free MV Proposes New Plan to Thin Out Deer Herd
Tick Free MV announces a concrete goal of reducing the island's deer population by 70 percent, using expanded hunting seasons and state deer damage permits to enable year-round harvesting.
NPR: Morning Edition - Tick Season is Getting Worse. Can Managing Deer Help?
A national look at the link between deer populations and rising tick-borne illness, featuring Virginia Barbatti and Lea Hamner, with an overview of population-level solutions being explored.
NPR: All Things Considered -"Ticks Surge in the Northeast"
A radio segment on rising tick activity across the Northeast, featuring Virginia Barbatti and Lea Hamner on Martha's Vineyard's lone star tick and alpha-gal crisis, alongside expert prevention tips and a look at emerging solutions.
Boston Globe: Ticks are everywhere. Here’s how to stop them.
A practical, expert-driven guide to tick bite prevention covering clothing choices, permethrin treatment, skin repellents, lawn care, and pet safety. Features guidance from researchers at Tufts, UMass, and the University of Rhode Island — a useful reference for anyone spending time outdoors this summer.
Boston Globe: What to know about alpha-gal syndrome, the life-threatening meat allergy caused by tick bites
A comprehensive explainer on alpha-gal syndrome covering what causes it, why cases are rising, which foods to avoid, how long it lasts, and what treatments are available
Vineyard Gazette: As Tick Issues Soar, Fear Becomes a Factor
A look at how the rise of tick-borne illness is affecting Martha's Vineyard's economy and community, from tourists reconsidering visits to restaurants adapting menus for alpha-gal. Features local business owners, healthcare providers, and tick experts on how to balance public awareness with keeping fear from overshadowing island life.