BITE Act

This bill creates a nationwide system to prevent and spot diseases spread by ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas. The Health and Human Services Department would run tools to identify risky bugs, warn people in real time, and track early signs of outbreaks. It uses data from people, animals, and the environment to see problems sooner. There’s a clear goal: cut Lyme disease by 25% by 2035. Communities would also get plain-language education through schools, workplaces, media, and local groups to help families protect themselves.

Key points

• Who is affected: Families, schools, health providers, and military communities nationwide.
• What changes: New services to identify vectors (ticks, mosquitoes, fleas), AI-powered early warnings with local risk alerts, tracking of insurance claims and ER visits to detect outbreaks early, and broad public education.
• How it works: Combines human, animal, and environmental data to guide prevention and response.
• Goal and timing: Aims to reduce Lyme disease by 25% by 2035; actions begin once the system is set up by the health department.