Credit FAO
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For many who live in and around the Middle East, it is extremely difficult to get their head around the idea that camels might be one of the sources of human MERS coronavirus infection. Camels are not only the most identifiable symbol of the region, they played an immense role in making it possible to people to settle and thrive in an arid and often inhospitable environment.
Essential beasts of burden, givers of milk and meat, and the literal savior of uncounted people who’ve trekked the desert, camels have been considered beloved life-givers for thousands of years . . . not threats to health.
Camels are also a mainstay of the local economy (milk, meat, camel rides for tourists, etc.), and their sacrifice (and the distribution of their meat to the poor) during the Hajj or Umrah plays an important part in their religion. All of which – understandably - makes it difficult for many to accept that this new MERS coronavirus could be coming from camels.
Although we’ve seen some signs of slow acceptance of the idea in recent weeks (see Saudi Ministry Of Agriculture Issues Warnings On Camels), a day hardly goes by without an article appearing in the Arabic press casting doubt on any suspected MERS-camel link.
All of which means that broad based local surveillance, and research, into the role that camels – and other animals – might play in the spread of MERS has been slow to get off the ground.
Today the FAO released the following report, where experts at a regional technical consultation meeting in Oman are urging researchers and the appropriate Ministries to step up surveillance and research into any animal-MERS link (including camels), and to increase public awareness of the disease threat.
MERS Coronavirus: Stepped up research into role of camels and other animals urged
Expert meeting in Oman leads to guidance on investigating transmission routes and stemming spread of the disease
23 May 2014, Muscat, Oman/Rome - Health experts and veterinarians are among those calling for stepped up monitoring, investigations, and immediate reporting of cases of the potentially fatal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), an infection that has caused numerous human illnesses and deaths, but whose origins may be linked to animals.
A declaration at a regional technical consultation meeting, convened by FAO in the Sultanate of Oman, warned countries in the region and beyond of the need for public health and veterinary authorities to carry out coordinated investigations, and share information and results.
Participants noted the "recent upsurge in human cases in the Arabian Peninsula and the suspected zoonotic transmission involving, in particular, dromedary camels." They agreed on a list of specific recommendations to increase knowledge about the transmission of the virus to humans and to minimize its impact on animal and human health, as well as agriculture and livestock-related livelihoods.
"It is vitally important for the international community to increase our understanding of ‘where' and ‘how' the virus is transmitted, ‘who' the source is - whether animal or human - and 'when' and ‘why' certain people are spreading the virus," said Juan Lubroth, Chief Veterinary Officer at FAO.
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Recommendations
The recommendations are focused on the potential link with camels or other animal sources. Priorities should be given to:
1. raising public awareness of MERS-CoV
2. urgent investment in research and surveillance of animals;
3. the systematic search for potential sources of human infection from animal sources or the environment;
4. joint efforts and coordination among public health authorities.
Concerted action is also called for in the areas of:
- good practices in heightening biosecurity measures at farms or at border crossings;
- underscoring the importance of personal hygiene practiced by people who work around livestock, slaughterhouses and racing animals -- such as frequent hand-washing after touching animals, protective clothing and washing of soiled clothing, shoes and other items;
- greater region-wide information sharing and closer coordination to manage risks posed by the movement and trade of livestock;
- possible introduction of animal passports/certificates for racing camels;
- engagement of the private sector (such as racing associations, breeding enterprises and meat packing operations).
The guidance emerging from the consultation reflected discussions during the 20-21 May consultation, which was opened by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries of Oman, Dr Fuad Jaffer al Sajwani. Participants included the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Gulf Cooperation Council and renowned experts who are currently collaborating with researchers and authorities of the region.
The meeting also drew public health and veterinary authorities and other specialists from eleven countries: Ethiopia, Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Camels and MERSSeveral studies have reported high proportions of camels with antibodies against MERS-CoV or that of a closely-related virus, both in countries where human cases were detected and also in countries with no reported cases.
Some of these studies have shown that MERS-CoV has been circulating in camels in Saudi Arabia since at least 1992. Genetic evidence of MERS-CoV infection was found in tests of camel samples from a farm in Qatar and in other studies in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Coronaviruses are widespread in animal species and they can infect livestock and a wide range of wild species, including bats, rodents and wild birds.
