Tickborne disease groups back Trump order on research and control

A coalition of Lyme and tick-borne disease organizations praised President Donald Trump’s executive order on pest control and disease research, saying it could speed diagnostics, prevention and treatment. The groups said the directive could sharpen federal action on Lyme disease, alpha-gal syndrome and other tickborne illnesses if agencies move quickly.

Why it matters: - Tickborne diseases affect diagnosis, treatment and daily safety for patients across the United States. - The executive order could speed federal action on diagnostics, prevention tools, therapeutics and tick control methods. - The order also elevates alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening allergy linked to certain tick bites.

What happened: - Center for Lyme Action, Bay Area Lyme Foundation, Project Lyme, Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund, Global Lyme Alliance, LymeLight Foundation and the LivLyme Foundation praised President Donald J. Trump’s executive order, Eliminating Disease-Carrying Pests and Restoring Enjoyment of the Great Outdoors. - The groups called the directive a step toward stronger federal action on tickborne illnesses. - The executive order directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, within 90 days, to build on the Lyme Disease Moonshot initiative. - The order also calls for research and development programs and prize competitions for rapid diagnostics, prophylactics and therapeutics for tick- and mosquito-borne diseases.

The details: - The executive order says ticks are significant public health threats. - Federal policy under the order is aimed at improving detection, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases spread by these vectors. - The order calls on federal agencies to advance innovative approaches to tick and mosquito control, including non-chemical methods and emerging technologies. - Agencies are also directed to explore regulatory frameworks and expedited pathways for novel tick and mosquito control methods that prove safe and effective. - The order names alpha-gal syndrome as part of the broader federal focus on vector-borne disease. - Sharon Forsyth, executive director of Alpha-gal Alliance Action Fund, said the order commits to reducing the ticks that cause alpha-gal syndrome and directs federal agencies to explore labeling of alpha-gal in foods and drugs. - Holiday Goodreau, executive director of LivLyme Foundation, said public-private collaboration can speed solutions through TOPx and the TickTracker platform. - Jennifer Katritos, CEO of Global Lyme Alliance, said sustained investment in rigorous research is needed to improve diagnostics and treatments. - Phyllis Bedford, co-founder and executive director of LymeLight Foundation, said families need better options for children and young adults affected by Lyme disease.

Between the lines: - The groups are trying to turn federal attention into sustained funding, faster validation and clearer regulatory paths. - The timing matters because HHS renewed and expanded the LymeX Innovation Accelerator in 2025, including next-generation diagnostics work. - Teams in the LymeX Diagnostics Prize are moving through clinical validation and regulatory pathways. - HHS has also identified other technologies as part of its Lyme disease strategy. - Earlier this week, HHS announced nearly $3 million in CDC and NIH funding for approaches to reducing tick populations, including wildlife-targeted interventions. - The organizations said the new order could bring more coordination and urgency to existing federal efforts.

What’s next: - HHS must act within 90 days on the directive tied to the Lyme Disease Moonshot initiative. - Federal agencies are expected to identify pathways for diagnostics, prevention tools, therapeutics and tick-control technologies. - The organizations said implementation will depend on sustained investment, scientific rigor, cross-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement. - The groups said they are ready to work with the administration, Congress and federal agencies to advance solutions.

The bottom line: - The executive order gives tickborne disease advocates a federal opening they have sought for years. - The question now is whether agencies can turn that policy signal into faster tools for patients.