TOMOHON: Bats, rats and snakes are still being sold at an Indonesian market known for its wildlife offerings, despite a government request to take them off the menu over fears of a link to the deadly coronavirus.
But scientists are debating how the new virus, which has killed more than 1,100 people in China and spread to dozens of countries around the world, was transmitted to humans. Bat seller Stenly Timbuleng says he’s still moving his fare for as much as US$4.40 a kilogram to buyers in the area, where bats are a speciality in local cuisine.“The virus hasn’t affected sales. My customers still keep coming.”