Inhalant allergy to wild animals (deer and elk)

We studied 15 highly atopic persons with historic and/or skin test evidence of allergy to deer or elk. All 15 were also reactive to domestic animal danders (dog, cat, or horse). Twelve patients had elevated IgE antibody levels to deer hair/dander and six patients had elevated IgE antibody levels to elk hair/dander. Elevated IgE antibody levels to serum or urine from deer or elk were found in six persons. By using individual patient sera in RAST inhibition experiments we showed that IgE antibodies were directed to allergens common to hair/dander, urine, and serum. One individual reacted to an allergen common to both deer and cat hair/dander. We concluded that atopic individuals sensitive to domestic animals may develop IgE-mediated reactions to deer or elk allergens following recreational or professional hunting contact with these animals.