In June 2022, 16-year-old Jeremy Webb experienced a severe allergic reaction after consuming beef sausages while camping in New South Wales. Initially thought to have succumbed to asthma, a coronial inquest revealed that his condition was actually triggered by a rare mammalian meat allergy induced by a tick bite. Tragically, he collapsed after seeking help and was later pronounced dead in the hospital, an unfortunate event that underscores the risks associated with this uncommon allergy.

Finding a direct cause for Webb's death has raised awareness about the growing incidence of mammalian meat allergy, which can be severely life-threatening in certain individuals. Professor Sheryl van Nunen, a leading clinical immunologist, noted that while Webb's case is the first of its kind in Australia, it is not entirely isolated, as there is another account of a related fatality in the United States. This links the allergy to tick bites, which are becoming increasingly recognized as a risk factor in the emergence of this condition in Australia.

Webb's case highlights the importance of understanding food allergies and their potential triggers, especially as tick populations increase due to climate change. It serves not only as a cautionary tale for campers and outdoor enthusiasts but also emphasizes the need for greater awareness and potential medical advancements to address these rare but serious allergies that can arise from interactions with wildlife, particularly in regions affected by changing environmental conditions.