Amid fears of possible transmission and spread of a novel coronavirus in the country, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed a ban on import of any “zoonotic” animals or birds.

“On the recommendations of the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination MNHSR&C, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed a ban on the import of any zoonotic (animals and birds etc.) with immediate effect and until further orders,” read a notification issued to this effect.

“The MNHSR&C has informed that the origin of the recent outbreak of Novel type of Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) has been traced to be zoonotic in nature, which may potentially undermine the government’s efforts to prevent the spread of said disease in Pakistan,” it said.

“In view of the above, it is requested to take immediate steps to implement the said ban on import of zoonotic (animals and birds etc) in Pakistan.”