Zoonotic Transmission of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus from Camels to Humans and Barriers to Biosecurity Interventions in Jordan

Since the first detected cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a respiratory virus capable of causing severe human illness, surveillance and research have focused on identification of the source of primary human MERS-CoV infections. Within the One Health framework which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, various animal hosts were investigated as sources of human infection because most emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses – pathogens spilling over from an animal host to a human. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize knowledge about MERS-CoV infections in livestock animals and zoonotic transmission of MERS-CoV to humans. Dromedary camels are the presumptive source of primary human MERS-CoV infections, but the importance, frequency, and specific mechanisms of camel-to-human MERS-CoV transmission have not been well characterized. Further, it is unknown what potential barriers will be faced when implementing basic biosecurity interventions to prevent zoonotic transmission at occupational sites where individuals regularly work or interact with dromedary camels. This dissertation addressed the