Stepping up research on the MERS coronavirus

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a viral respiratory infection of humans and dromedary camels which is caused by the MERS coronavirus (CoV). In 2021, we included MERS-CoV in our list of notifiable diseases, meaning that new cases in animals should be officially reported by countries through the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS). While the impact of MERS-CoV on animal health is very low, the disease can be deadly for humans. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that around 35 % of human patients infected with MERS-CoV have died since 2012. Yet the exact mechanisms of transmission between camelids and humans are still not fully understood.

We support research efforts on MERS-CoV such as those of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) VETLAB in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Between 2013 and 2021, more than 41,000 camel nasal swab samples, collected by veterinarians, were analysed. Furthermore, ADAFSA VETLAB has carried out several studies on different aspects of MERS-CoV including validation of diagnostic tests, epidemiological studies, and determination of the prevalence and diversity of MERS-CoV in dromedary camels. These research activities, among others, shed light on the possible mechanisms of virus transmission between animals and humans.

In November 2021, WOAH, the WHO, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) also brought together animal and public health authorities, researchers, funding agencies and industrial partners to share the latest scientific findings on MERS-CoV. This strengthened the global commitment toward preventing, detecting, and responding to MERS-CoV and other current or emerging coronaviruses, that threaten animal and human health, such as COVID-19.

Advancing global preparedness on influenza

Influenza is another group of infectious diseases that can spread between animals and humans. WOAH helps advance knowledge on zoonotic influenza through, among others, its organisational support of STAR-IDAZ, the international research consortium on animal health. This year, STAR-IDAZ IRC published a report reviewing research on animal influenza viruses from the last five years. We now have a comprehensive panorama of available knowledge on influenza’s virology, pathogenicity, epidemiology, prevention, and control.

Although the findings show good progress in understanding the various influenza viruses, whether they affect birds, equids or swine, they also point to gaps in our knowledge and preparedness for potential pandemics. The report highlights the importance of surveillance of animal populations, including wild birds, as well as developing appropriate diagnostic techniques, and molecular studies to track the evolution of the virus’ variants.

This work will also guide future animal influenza research as well as provide insight for countries to better prepare for the threat of animal diseases. A workshop planned in 2022 will share its findings and advance the development of roadmaps to accelerate the delivery of research control tools and strategies, critical to strengthen preparedness for potential future pandemics.