Camels in the Eastern Province are free of MERS coronavirus infection.

The Department of Agricultural Affairs in the Eastern Province has confirmed that there are no cases of MERS infection in the camels in the province but has detected the presence of virus-carrying antibodies in the animals.

Salahudeen Al-Dosari, deputy director general of agricultural affairs, said that field teams have been formed to collect samples from several locations in the province starting from Hafar Al-Batin. Random samples have been collected and they are now awaiting results.

Al-Dosari said: “There is joint coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture and Health regarding the common diseases between humans and animals. A working team has been formed to receive reports and prepare daily logs on the latest developments.”

He said that the team will diagnose and take samples from the animals to conduct the necessary laboratory tests in the event of a patient contracting the virus by being in direct contact with them.

“The Ministry of Agriculture is in constant communication with the World Organization for Animal Health to take urgent action in the event of the appearance of any injuries or diseases in animals in general,” he added.