Human Allergies to Hamster Dander

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Certain people are allergic to the hair and/or dander of hamsters.

hamsters.  People working with hamsters in laboratory situations

are more likely to develop such allergies because of their

continual association with them.  Signs include itchy eyes,

sneezing, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath,

wheezing, skin rash and anaphylactic shock (a medical emergency).



Owners of pet hamsters may also be susceptible, and a medical

doctor should be consulted about suspected allergy problems if a

hamster is kept as a pet in the household.  Hamster owners with

such a suspected allergy may want to consult an allergist.



Suggested Reading:  Harkness and Wagner:  The Biology and

Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents.  3rd edition.  Lea & Febiger,

Philadelphia, 1988.