Fever symptoms of unknown origin have been noticed in a number of animals in the Kingdom with fears of human transmission, according to a study carried out by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

The study, which was released on Wednesday, was funded by KACST and supervised by Dr. Mohammed Ali Sheikh of King Saud University in Riyadh.

The study was carried out among camels, deer and pets such as cats and dogs. The research team used samples from the animals’ milk and blood and conducted DNA tests for microbes.

The study found that many of the animals in the farm had fever, including a high percentage of camels.

Farm managers have been advised to contact the Ministry of Agriculture and the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) to combat fever symptoms among the livestock.

The study also advised farm workers, shepherds and those who work in slaughter houses to take preventive measures against the fever.

Farm workers have been advised to follow strict hygiene measures when dealing with pregnant animals, especially during delivery.

“Waste emitted during delivery should be either buried or burnt to control the spread of the infection,” the official said.

In May, health experts and veterinarians called for heightened vigilance and immediate reporting on cases of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), during a meeting convened by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in Oman.

The infection — which has caused numerous human illnesses and deaths — was discussed at the regional consultation convened by FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery of Oman. During the convention, experts revealed that the origins of the illness might be traced to animals.

“It is vitally important for the international community to increase our understanding of ‘where’ and ‘how’ the virus is transmitted, ‘who’ the source is — whether animal or human — and ‘when’ and ‘why’ certain people are spreading the virus,” said Juan Lubroth, FAO’s chief veterinary officer.