Camel milk consumption drops over MERS fears

There has been a 65 percent decline in demand for camel milk in the past year, forcing some stores to stop selling the product, while many camel owners have now put a halt to this once-thriving commercial activity.
This coincides with increased efforts being made by the Ministry of Health to warn the public about the serious dangers of drinking camel milk without boiling it. Scientists have linked camels and camel milk to the deadly MERS coronavirus.
In spite of the Health Ministry's warnings, some camel milk consumers remain adamant.
Abdul Aziz, a camel milk consumer, said: "I have been drinking camel milk regularly for the past 20 years, and coronavirus will not change my lifestyle. Today it tastes just as good as it always has, so i'll keep drinking it!"
Abdul Aziz believes that camels, which feed on desert herbs and drink natural water, could not possibly be infected, because they have a natural immunity against all diseases.
While Abdul Aziz cites the safety and good health of camel herders as reason to believe that his milk will be safe and free from contamination, the ministry has clearly said that many are unaware that camel herders or milk consumers themselves may be carrying the coronavirus without knowing it or experiencing any symptoms.
The Health Ministry warned that such infected persons could transmit the virus to one of their family members who has a poor immune system without even knowing it, putting their whole family at risk.