China's animal trade to bring more viral outbreaks: experts

A turtle for sale at a market in Wuhan, the epicentre of a deadly new virus that came from an animal

The animal-borne SARS virus 17 years ago was supposed to be a wake-up call about consuming wildlife as food, but scientists say China's latest epidemic indicates that the practice remains a widespread and growing risk to human health.

Like SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which was traced to bats and civets, the virus that has killed dozens in China and infected almost 2,000 people is believed to have originated in animals trafficked for food.