Camel breeding has been a common activity in arid countries in Africa (North Africa and Sahelian countries) and in Asia (Middle East, South, and Central Asia up to China) throughout history. Despite the marginal importance at the Implications • COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the camel sector, which is contributing to food security in arid countries. • COVID-19 pandemic has an ambiguous impact by limiting camel development but boosting the demand for camel milk. • Camel immunology is unique and supports the combat against coronaviruses. Downloaded from https://academic.oup.com/af/article/11/1/60/6129032 by guest on 10 May 2021 January 2021, Vol. 11, No. 1 61 world level, the social and economic role of these species in arid lands is widely commented and is strongly increasing due to the recent enthusiasm for camel products