Laboratory Animal Allergy (LAA)

A laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is an allergic reaction that occurs when a person’s immune system responds to proteins found in animal urine, saliva, or dander. These proteins can trigger allergy symptoms in individuals who work with or are exposed to laboratory animals.

Symptoms of LAA may include:

rashes or itchy skin
red, watery eyes
sneezing or a dry, sore throat
coughing or asthma-like symptoms.

Anyone who works with lab animals can develop an allergy, even if you’ve never had allergies before. Most people who develop symptoms do so within one to two years of starting this kind of work. If you have asthma, seasonal allergies or dermatitis, you may be at higher risk.

What to keep in mind:

Ongoing exposure can make symptoms worse.
In rare cases, you may become sensitised, which can affect your health more seriously.
If you notice symptoms, contact the Health, Safety & Wellbeing team as soon as possible.

Laboratory animals associated with allergic reactions

Any type of animal used in research can trigger allergy symptoms. However, you’re more likely to react to rodents like mice and rats, as they’re used more often than other species.

Reducing allergy risk

To reduce your risk of developing an allergy from lab animals, it’s important to limit your exposure to proteins found in animal urine, saliva and dander.

When you're working with animals or cleaning cages, you should wear a gown, goggles and gloves at a minimum.

You may also need respiratory protection to reduce exposure to airborne allergens. The type of protection depends on your work and personal needs. Contact Health Safety & Wellbeing for advice.

Task risk levels and protection controls

See the table below for the risk level of the types of tasks you may perform with animals and the controls used to reduce allergy risk.

Risk levels and their associated tasks and controls
Risk level	Task	Controls
Low	Working with post mortem specimens or with tissues Working on unconscious animals Procedures involving few animals Automated cage cleaning Cleaning of changing rooms, corridors or offices Administrative or clerical work	Wear appropriate personal protective equipment Follow safe work instructions
Medium	Cleaning general areas within the animal unit Indirect contact in animal room Feeding animals Changing of cage water supply Cleaning of procedure and holding rooms Changing filters on ventilation systems Equipment maintenance	Wear appropriate personal protective equipment Participate in health surveillance program (e.g. lung function test) Reduce airborne allergens when cleaning cages (e.g. wet cleaning) Use low dust bedding materials Follow safe work instructions
High	Handling of animals for procedures including tagging/marking/shaving Injections and other invasive procedures Handling animals Changing animal housing Disposal of soiled litter Changing filters of local exhaust ventilation or room ventilation Cage changing including replacement of bedding and waste Cage dismantling Cage washing Handling of open soiled cages Any work in holding rooms, procedure rooms or cage washing areas	Wear appropriate personal protective equipment Participate in health surveillance program (e.g. lung function test) Ensure adequate ventilation (e.g. local exhaust ventilation or work within a Class II biosafety cabinet for specific procedures) Reduce airborne allergens when cleaning cages (e.g. wet cleaning) Use low dust bedding materials Spend less time in high density animal rooms Follow safe work instructions

Procedures and resources

Need help?

For additional information, email Health, Safety & Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu.