The novel coronavirus outbreak underlines the fact that government departments need urgently to take steps to improve the management of wildlife, they say, and to tackle head on the problem once and for all. That views like those of Wild China Film are being heard and heeded is apparent in emergency management policies that have been introduced in the wake of the outbreak.

In fact, on Jan 27 the State Administration for Market Supervision, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration issued emergency notices that call for more stringent inspection and quarantine efforts.

Bamboo rats, badgers and other wild animal breeding sites were sealed, isolated and thoroughly disinfected, and anything regarded as hazardous was safely disposed of. Five days later, on Jan 26, the three departments decreed that thenceforth there would be no wildlife trading until the national epidemic was over.