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Block Island Weighs Eliminating Deer to Curb Tick-Borne Illness
Block Island residents, alarmed by rising cases of alpha-gal syndrome and other tick-borne diseases, are considering a drastic measure: killing all the deer on the island. The deer population, which began with four introduced in 1967, now numbers in the hundreds and is blamed for the surge in tick-related health problems.
BLOCK ISLAND â A proposal to eliminate the entire deer population on Block Island is gaining traction among residents concerned about the sharp rise in tick-borne illnesses, including alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat.
There were no deer on the island until 1967, when four were brought over by ferry. Today, the population is estimated to be in the hundreds, possibly more, and residents say the animals are driving an explosion of tick bites and related diseases.
The island has seen a growing number of alpha-gal syndrome cases, a condition linked to lone star tick bites that can cause severe allergic reactions to meat and dairy products. Other tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, are also a persistent concern.
Residents who support the drastic step argue that reducing the deer herd is necessary to protect public health, especially on an island with limited medical resources. The debate has intensified as more families report diagnoses and as local health officials grapple with prevention strategies.
While the proposal remains under discussion, it underscores the tension between wildlife management and community health on a small, isolated island where residents feel increasingly vulnerable to tick-borne threats. No final decision has been made, but the conversation is expected to continue in the coming months.