BITE Act
The BITE Act would create a comprehensive national system to prevent vector-borne diseases (infectious diseases spread by ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas) in the United States. Led by the Department of Health and Human Services, the system would integrate human, animal, and environmental data (the One Health approach) and deploy several coordinated components: a professional vector identification service for civilians and the Department of Defense; an AI-enhanced early warning system that uses weather, habitat, and wildlife data to generate real-time, location-based risk alerts; insurance claims and syndromic surveillance to detect outbreaks earlier; and broad public education through schools, workplaces, media, and community groups. A national strategic alignment would also set a target to reduce Lyme disease by 25% by 2035 and aim to improve military readiness through earlier detection and ecosystem health. The bill was introduced in August 2025 and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a nationwide vector-borne disease prevention system under the Department of Health and Human Services with a focus on ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas.
- 2Components include a professional vector identification service; an AI-enhanced early warning system with real-time, location-based risk alerts; and surveillance through insurance claims and emergency department syndromic monitoring.
- 3Adopts a One Health framework, integrating human, animal, and environmental data to improve disease prediction and prevention.
- 4Emphasizes public education and outreach, collaborating with schools, workplaces, media, and community organizations to deliver targeted prevention messaging.
- 5Sets a national strategic goal to reduce Lyme disease by 25% by 2035 and to bolster military readiness through early detection and ecosystem health.