China's State Administration for Market Regulation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Sunday published a joint statement prohibiting wild animal trade nationwide amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The statement noted that the places where wild animals are raised and bred are quarantined, and wild animals are strictly prohibited from being trafficked or sold.

Markets, restaurateurs and e-commerce platforms around the country are strictly prohibited from trading wild animals in any form, the statement added.