Cow dander allergy
Allergy to cattle dander, relevant to farming.
About cow dander allergy
Cow dander allergy is an IgE-mediated reaction to proteins shed in cattle skin flakes, and also present in saliva and urine, rather than to the animals' hair. It is chiefly an occupational concern for farmers, herd workers and vets in regular close contact with cattle, and among the recognised bovine allergens is the protein Bos d 2, carried on dander. The particles cling to overalls, boots and skin and can be carried indoors, so exposure is not limited to time spent in the byre or milking parlour.
Symptoms tend to develop within minutes to hours of contact and commonly include sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy, watering eyes. In susceptible people, working around cattle or in dusty sheds can provoke asthma symptoms such as coughing and wheeze, or aggravate eczema. Because the allergen is carried on clothing, mild symptoms may continue at home. Reactions are usually uncomfortable rather than dangerous.
Diagnosis is made through a skin-prick or specific-IgE blood test alongside an account of your work and symptoms. Avoiding the trigger is most effective but rarely practical in farming, so risk-reduction is key: good shed ventilation, dust control, a suitable mask, changing out of work clothes and washing hands and face after contact. Medicines relieve symptoms, and immunotherapy is considered in selected cases. See your GP, and mention your occupation, particularly if you develop any breathing problems.
Common triggers
- Cow dander and products containing it
Symptoms
- Sneezing and a runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Skin redness where the animal licked or touched
- Coughing or wheezing
- Worsening of asthma
Avoidance & management
- Limit contact with the animal
- Keep pets out of bedrooms
- Wash hands and clothes after contact
- Use air filtration and vacuum often
- Take prescribed antihistamines
Sources & references
Allergy safety: what everyone should know
Mild-to-moderate reaction signs
- Itching, hives or a raised rash
- Swelling of lips, face or eyes
- Tingling mouth, sneezing, runny nose
- Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting
Anaphylaxis — call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately
- Difficult or noisy breathing, wheeze, persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue or tightness in the throat
- Dizziness, collapse, pale and floppy (young children)
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g. EpiPen) at once if prescribed, then call an ambulance even if symptoms improve
Allergy or intolerance? A true allergy involves the immune system and can escalate quickly; an intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance) is unpleasant but not life-threatening. The symptoms overlap, so self-diagnosis is unreliable.
Getting tested: home-testing kits based on IgG are not diagnostically valid. If you suspect an allergy, ask a GP for referral to an allergy clinic for skin-prick or specific-IgE testing and a supervised food challenge where appropriate.