The Huanan Seafood Wholesale market in Wuhan is thought to have been the source of the pathogen. (File photo: AFP)

China announced a ban on the wild animal trade as part of its emergency response to curb the transmission of a novel coronavirus from animals to humans, according to a statement issued on Sunday.

The outbreak of the coronavirus is believed to have began from a Wuhan seafood and livestock market in December.

Till the end of current epidemic, farms that breed wild animals across the country will be isolated and the wildlife trade will be banned in farmers’ markets, supermarkets and restaurants.

The restriction was jointly made by China’s departments of market supervision, rural affairs and forestry.

(Compiled by Chen Lidan)