Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
Chinese police have seized more than 5.3 tonnes of wildlife products since the coronavirus outbreak began as experts warn exotic animal carcasses may carry deadly pathogens such as the one causing COVID-19.
Official figures released by China’s Ministry of Public Security show 943 cases of illegal wildlife trading filed and no fewer than 2,147 investigations carried out since January when Beijing announced a suspension of the controversial industry.
Authorities across China have confiscated and destroyed some 92,000 animal carcasses, seizing over 5.3 tonnes of wildlife products from vendors and buyers alike, the security ministry said.
Despite strong links between the deadly novel coronavirus and the consumption of exotic meat such as that of bats, recent reports show a worrying and continued demand for the unsafe food product.
In January and February, Chinese police have busted formal and informal vendors selling the carcasses of eagle, peacock, bat, wild boar, pheasant, badger, deer, rabbit, bamboo rat, leopard cat and squirrel.
While some operated out of their own homes, others sold to black market buyers online.
In late-February, the Chinese government stepped up efforts to clamp down on the public’s appetite for wild meat by announcing an outright ban on the sale and consumption of exotic animal products.
It is now forbidden to hunt, purchase, transport or sell related animal products, especially those belonging to conserved or state-protected species.
While the precise origins of COVID-19 are unclear, the disease has strong similarities to bat coronavirus.
It is believed to have originated at a seafood market in Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province in Central China, where exotic meat was also being sold on the side.
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