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Yesterday in WHO Updated MERS-CoV FAQ we looked at the World Health Organization’s first response to much publicized MERS coronavirus research published earlier this week (see Lancet: Camels Found With Antibodies To MERS-CoV-Like Virus).
While the finding of MERS-CoV-Like antibodies in 100% of the (50) camels tested in Oman is striking, the WHO cautions that until the virus can be isolated in a camel, it is impossible to know if this virus matches the virus currently causing illness in the Middle East.
Similarly, the FAO (the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization) published their own cautionary response– along with an updated Q&A – on the supposed camel-MERS connection.
Too early to draw conclusions on source of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome infections in humans
Further investigation into possible role of animals needed
Transmission electron micrograph of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus particles, colorized in yellow.
9 August 2013, Rome - Understanding the potential role of animals in the emergence and spread of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) requires further investigation, analysis and study, FAO said today. Current evidence is not sufficient to identify the specific source, whether animal or otherwise, of the coronavirus that is causing MERS in humans.
I’ve excerpted portions from the FAO FAQ below, but follow the link to read it in its entirety:
1. New scientific research claims that camels are the source of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Does FAO agree with these findings? Why are they important?
It is important to be clear about the precise findings of the study. The research does not claim camels
are the source of the virus that has been affecting humans. Rather, the study found that camels (in
areas where human cases have not yet been reported) carry antibodies to MERS-CoV. In some cases, these camels have been isolated from other camels for many years. This suggests that the virus that has caused that antibody response is not new to those camels. FAO concurs with the researcher’s
conclusion that the antibody findings in camels indicate that a virus similar or closely related to the
MERS-CoV occurs in some camels. This may provide useful in determining how humans come to be
infected.2. The study cites positive samples from camels in Oman and the Canary Islands. Does this mean these specific countries play a significant role? What role do other countries play?
No cases of human infection have been reported from Oman or the Canary Islands. The study did not
test camels beyond these two countries. The study made use of readily available samples. This data is
not sufficient to suggest the countries in question play any role in the current situation. More analysis
and surveillance is required before understanding the geographical situation in respect to the current
virus.
3. If camels are the source of the virus, can other hosts, like bats, be ruled out?
Current knowledge of MER-CoV is incomplete. In light of this, FAO and its collaborating partners – the
World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) – are
considering a range of possible sources. FAO and its partners do not wish to exclude any potential
sources at this stage. FAO believes an in-depth and carefully planned investigation needs to be carried
out to ensure that all reasonable possibilities are considered.
4. Why is it important to find the source? What does it mean?
It is important to not only identify the sources of emerging infections, but it is also important to
appreciate the means by which pathogens spill over into humans and spread between animals. Better
understanding of virus sources and methods of spread can be employed to help people and animals
avoid exposure. This knowledge can also be used to design methods to better control diseases and
reduce the risks that viruses pose to health and trade. Understanding the source can help in the design of methods to protect the safety and livelihoods of livestock/animal holders.
<SNIP>
7. What are the precautionary measures FAO recommends to consumers and producers to protect themselves against the virus?
At this point in time, FAO does not have any specific information about disease exposure. FAO
recommends people follow best practices commonly employed in the preparation or consumption of
foods (e.g. clean surfaces, clean knives/spoons during food preparation, hand washing, thoroughly
cooking meats and pasteurization of dairy products). Such measures will protect against a wide range
of diseases; they are not specific to MERS-CoV.
8. Do camels present a risk to humans?
The connection between human disease and camels is extremely low, given the current evidence. If
camels were affected by MERS-CoV, the mechanism of virus transmission would require further
clarification. Given the current information available, if camels could infect humans, long-term or repeated and specific exposures would seem to be required.
With the Hajj coming up in October, and several million devout Muslims expected to make the Pilgrimage to Mecca, determining the mode (and risks) of transmission of the virus in the coming weeks takes on new urgency.
As Helen Branswell described in her terrific article the other day, animal (including camel) sacrifices are a big part of the religious ceremonies of the Hajj.
Scientists find MERS-like antibodies in camels; first clue to possible source
Helen Branswell, The Canadian Press
Published Thursday, August 8, 2013 4:16PM EDT
Last Updated Friday, August 9, 2013 7:05AM EDT(EXCERPT)
To complete the responsibilities of the pilgrimage, each pilgrim must participate in the sacrifice of an animal; that participation often takes the form of paying for the animal and distributing the cooked meat to family members and the poor.
Camels are among the animals sacrificed during Eid al Adha -- the feast of sacrifice -- that concludes the Hajj. This year the pilgrimage is taking place in early to mid-October.
"These investigations are obviously time sensitive, especially given the Hajj coming up, the festival of sacrifice," said Dr. Kamran Khan, an infectious diseases physician at Toronto's St. Michael's Hospital who specializes in using airline traffic data to predict the global movement of diseases.
As these rituals have deep religious and cultural significance to millions of devout Muslims, there is understandable sensitivity and a reluctance to leap to conclusions based on premature or incomplete data.
Missing right now is serological data on animals from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but as Jennifer Yang reported the other day, better answers may be on the way.
Coronavirus spreading in Middle East may be linked to camels
The Middle East respiratory syndrome — or MERS — has now infected 94 people and killed 46. Camels are being considered as a possible culprit.
(Excerpt)
After six months of bureaucratic wrangling, Lipkin finally received a shipment of animal samples from Saudi Arabia this week. He said his lab is now testing 130 samples of blood serum and swabs taken from “various orifices” of Saudi Arabian animals, including 33 camels, that live close to the sites of human MERS outbreaks.
Lipkin is Dr. Ian Lipkin, world renowned virus hunter, and virologist at Columbia University. Should the virus be found in KSA camels (or other animals), we would still have open questions regarding the mode and risks of transmission to humans.
That said, based on the small sampling of Youtube videos I’ve viewed of animal sacrifices during the Hajj (not for the squeamish), opportunities for transmission of blood-borne pathogens to the participants (who wear no protective gear) would seem to be fairly high.
For more on the sacrificing of animals, the KSA’s Ministry of the Hajj website provides the following information:
The types of animals which may be sacrificed are camels, cows, sheep and goats.
A sheep or goat can be sacrificed on behalf of only one person; whereas, a cow or camel can be shared by seven people.
The age of the goat or sheep should be at least one year, the cow two and the camel at least five.
It is forbidden to sacrifice sick, crippled or wounded animals.
The sacrifice should be performed on the 10th of Dhu'l-Hijjah but it is allowed to sacrifice up until the dusk of the 13th.
