What is a laboratory animal allergy?
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) may develop when susceptible persons are exposed to allergens produced by laboratory animals. LAA is most associated with exposure to fur, saliva, and urine of rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Approximately 30% of persons who are exposed to lab animals develop LAA; some of these persons will also develop asthma. LAA is most likely to occur in persons with previously known allergies, especially to domestic pets; however, more than a third of the persons developing LAA do not report any previous allergies. The majority of LAA sufferers experience symptoms within six months of their first exposure to lab animals; almost all develop symptoms within four years. Unfortunately, LAA may also affect persons who have never been exposed to lab animals. The allergens are sticky and may be carried on an exposed person’s hair or clothing. In this way, non-exposed coworkers may be sensitized to the allergens and develop LAA.
