August 15, 2025
Mr. Gottheimer (for himself and Mr. Kean) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
To establish a comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act
or the BITE Act
.
Sec. 2. Comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system
(a) Establishment
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall establish and maintain a comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system.
(b) Components
The system described in subsection (a) shall have the following components:
(1)
A professional vector identification service, which shall—
(A)
include relevant information on ticks, mosquitoes, and fleas as vectors of disease;
(B)
be accessible by civilians and the Department of Defense; and
(C)
support data reporting that integrates human, animal, and environmental data (commonly known as the One Health
approach).
(2)
An artificial intelligence-enhanced early warning system, which shall—
(A)
predict disease activity with weather, habitat, and wildlife data; and
(B)
deliver real-time, location-based risk alerts.
(3)
Insurance claims surveillance to detect outbreaks earlier than traditional methods, which shall include surveillance of claims made with private or public health insurance.
(4)
Syndromic surveillance, which shall monitor emergency room visits (including at civilian hospitals and military medical treatment facilities) for vector-borne symptoms.
(5)
Comprehensive public education, which shall—
(A)
deliver targeted prevention messaging; and
(B)
inform the public by working with schools, workplaces, media, and community organizations.
(6)
National strategic alignment, which shall—
(A)
support a target of a 25 percent reduction in Lyme disease by 2035; and
(B)
enhance military readiness through early detection and ecosystem health.