The State Forestry Bureau and 11 other central government departments have issued a circular forbidding the illegal hunting and business of wild continental wild animals.

The circular said that efforts must be made to take care of the key targeted species and preserve their natural habitats.

It said that preventive control must be made of the breeding farms of such animals. There should be better quarantine measures to isolate them from the human crowds and those that have already entered the market and restaurants must be properly dealt with.

Samples will be readily supplied for scientific research if they are so needed. The circular said that the breeders of such targeted animal farms must be given to understand that it is not proper either to kill or let such animals at large in nature to risk losses of resources and spread of diseases.

(www.cenews.com.cn July 21, 2003)