Audio
Audio
MERS Coronavirus: Stepped up research into role of camels and other animals
©FAO/Carl de Souza
26 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 deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The disease is an infection that has caused numerous human illnesses and deaths, whose origins may be linked to a variety of animals. Many instances have been seen particularly with dromedary camels. A regional technical consultation meeting, organized 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, sharing information and results.

Dr. Juan Lubroth is the Chief Veterinary Officer at FAO. In the following interview he elaborates more on the transmission of the virus to humans and how to minimize its impact on animal and human health.
3min. 54sec.
Topic(s): Animals & livestock, Emergencies/Crises, Pests & diseases
Produced by: Sandra Ferrari
 
Reference: 10540