Type I allergy from cows in veterinary surgeons

Occupational contact dermatitis caused by obstetric work and/or contact with cows is common among veterinary surgeons. We examined serum from nine veterinary surgeons of whom seven gave a history of itching and flare of eczema after obstetric work and/or contact with cows. By means of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis the occurrence of specific IgE against cow hair and dander was demonstrated. The IgE did not differ qualitatively or quantitatively from IgE in serum from patients with allergic asthma from cows. Four veterinary surgeons with flare-up of eczema during obstetric aid to cows did not have assignable s-IgE against bovine amnion or allantoic fluids.