Why Are People Kissing Camels?

Social media is rife… well, with lots of things.  Sometimes, odd things.  This time it’s kissing camels.  Since it has come to light that camels are the likely link to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Saudi Arabian health authorities are warning that people should wear masks and gloves around the animals.  They further warn that folks should avoid sick camels; avoid raw camel meat, and milk.  I don’t know about you, but the news has completely put me off camel tartare. 

In Saudi Arabia camels are much more than cuddly, lovable, spitting pack animals.  They are an extremely valuable commodity.  The beasts are a significant source of income for many, but they are also bred for racing, hauling, and kept as pets.  Camel fanciers and farmers alike are treating these health warnings as unmerited.   All this camel kissing is in protest against what is perceived as an over-reaction on the part of the Saudi government health officials. 

There are hundreds of thousands of camels in Saudi Arabia.  The MERS virus has killed over 170 according to the World Health Organization, and has been traced back to camels.  While this is not absolutely conclusive, it would appear to be a combination of facts that would favor precaution.

The camel farmers, however, are having none of it.  Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, are replete with a sort of camel-Saudi snogfest.

And, that’s why people are kissing camels.   ...See, that’s not really weird at all.