Georgia bans import of live animals from China

The Ministry of Agriculture stated that the ban will be in effect until China is declared the free zone of coronavirus. Photo: dailymail.co.uk.

Agenda.ge, 28 Jan 2020 - 19:05, Tbilisi,Georgia

Import of live animals from China have been banned to prevent transmission and spread of the China-born coronavirus on the territory of Georgia, reports the Georgian Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture.

The Ministry stated that the ban will be in effect until China is declared the free zone of coronavirus by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).

Georgia had been importing ornamental fish and decorative turtles from China.

Health personnel have begun checking the areas around the country where Chinese citizens live.

The new coronavirus, which is thought to have emerged from illegally traded wildlife at a seafood market in Wuhan (Hubei province of China) can spread between people.

The incubation period can range from two to 10 days.  The virus causes severe acute respiratory infection and symptoms mostly start with a fever, followed by a dry cough.

Within a few weeks’ time some people may experience shortness of breath and need hospital treatment

The death toll in China already stands at 106.