China reopens infamous wet markets selling bats, pangolins, dogs

The COVID-19 pandemic that has put the world in red alert hasn’t seem to have taught Chinese local traders anything. The ‘wet markets’, where the deadly virus is known to have emerged, are back in China.

The wet markets have been reopened and are actively selling bats, pangolins and dogs for human consumption. According to scientists, coronavirus was first identified in a bat in China which later passed on to humans.

According to various reports, a 55-year-old man from China’s Hubei could have been the first person to have contracted COVID-19 through one such ‘wet market.’

The reopened ‘wet markets’ are however being monitored ensuring no one is able to take pictures of the blood-soaked floors, slaughtering of dogs and rabbits, and scared animals cramped in cages.

The Washington Examiner said, “The markets have gone back to operating in exactly the same way as they did before coronavirus. Another report says people in China are believing the outbreak is over and there’s nothing to worry about anymore.

What are ‘wet markets’?

The infamous wet markets are known for selling live animals such as cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, bats etc. These markets are named after the melting ice used to preserve the food and constant cleaning of the market.

Even before coronavirus emerged, a similar virus infection, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), is also thought to have originated there.

(With inputs from agencies)