Picture used for illustrative purpose. File

Gulf Today Report 

The World Health Organization on Tuesday advised the sale of live wild mammals in food markets to be halted, in order to prevent the emergence of new diseases.

The WHO said that while traditional markets play a central role in providing food and livelihoods for large populations, banning the sale of live wild mammals could protect the health of market workers and shoppers alike.

Some of the earliest cases of coronavirus were linked to a traditional food market in Wuhan in China.

READ MORE 

UAE announces 2,022 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Abu Dhabi Police urge motorist to refrain from speeding before Iftar

Thailand reports 965 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths

The interim guidance was drawn up alongside the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

"The guidance calls on countries to suspend the sale of captured live wild mammals in food markets as an emergency measure," the WHO said.

"Animals, particularly wild animals, are the source of more than 70 per cent of all emerging infectious diseases in humans, many of which are caused by novel viruses. Wild mammals, in particular, pose a risk for the emergence of new diseases," it said.

It also urged governments to close parts of food markets where live wild mammals are sold unless adequate risk assessments were in place.