How Allergies Are Impacting Animals in Captivity

Allergies are commonly associated with humans, but research suggests that animals, particularly those in captivity, are also experiencing an increase in allergic reactions, BBC reports.

Zoo animals, pets, and farm animals are all susceptible, and experts believe that changes in their environment and care routines may be contributing factors.

In 2018, staff at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago noticed that Siku, a male polar bear, was losing patches of fur and frequently scratching himself. Veterinary director Kathryn Gamble suspected allergies and conducted skin tests, revealing that Siku was allergic to house mites, tree pollen, and even human hair dander. This case highlights the growing awareness that animals can develop allergies, similar to humans.

Veterinary dermatologists report an increase in allergies among pets, with dogs and cats frequently developing reactions to fleas, pollen, and food. Zoo animals are also affected, with reports of allergic reactions in black leopards, rhinoceroses, chimpanzees, and other species. Annette Petersen, a veterinary dermatologist at Michigan State University, suggests that as human allergies rise, so too do allergies in animals, though conclusive research is still lacking.

Scientists believe allergies in animals may stem from the same factors affecting humans. Many captive animals are raised in cleaner, more controlled environments compared to their wild counterparts. Reduced exposure to bacteria, parasites, and natural environmental allergens may lead to an overactive immune system that reacts to harmless substances.

Andrew Flies, an immunologist at the University of Tasmania, notes that in the wild, allergies could be detrimental to survival, possibly leading to their elimination through natural selection. In contrast, animals in zoos and homes receive medical care, allowing allergic individuals to live longer and reproduce, potentially increasing the prevalence of allergies.

Unlike humans, who often experience hay fever-like symptoms, many animals absorb allergens through their skin, leading to rashes, hair loss, and excessive scratching. Horses may develop hives, while dogs frequently suffer from ear infections and itchy paws.

Veterinarians treat allergies in animals using methods similar to human treatments, including allergy shots, antihistamines, and dietary changes. In Siku’s case, zoo staff administered small doses of allergens mixed with organic honey to help his body adjust. After three years, his allergic reactions significantly decreased.

Some scientists propose that restoring exposure to beneficial microbes could help prevent allergies. Research on Amish communities, who are exposed to farm animals and natural bacteria from an early age, shows significantly lower rates of allergies compared to those in industrialized settings. This finding suggests that reintroducing beneficial microbes to zoo and farm animals might be a potential strategy for managing allergies.