Saudi butcher shops and restaurants have reported a decline in the sale of camel meat after acting health minister Adel Fakeih reportedly advised residents not to consume camel meat and milk as a preventive measure against the MERS coronavirus, it was reported.
Fahad Al Sulami, the owner of a popular restaurant, said that fewer people had been ordering camel meat after a World Health Organisation report surfaced linking the coronavirus to camels.
“Many restaurants and kitchens have been forced to refrain from purchasing camel meat,” he told Arab News.
“This will likely lead to a decline in the price of dishes containing camel meat and camels themselves.”
Khaled Al Balawi, a livestock trader, predicted the situation would force some cattle traders to stop dealing with camels in what would result in a 50 percent drop in prices.
“There has been much speculation about the link between the coronavirus and camels, but after the recent clear statement made by the acting health minister, customers should follow this advice in order to reduce the spread of the virus,” added Omar Lahibi, a sales manager of frozen meat products.
The Jeddah Municipality recently removed more than 500 camel barns and sprayed them with disinfectants.
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