The outbreak of coronavirus has severely impacted the pork supplies leading to a price hike in the Chinese market, according to a Chinese official.

Reuters reported that the outbreak has resulted in delays in the launch of new pig breeding facilities.

Veterinary Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and Animal Husbandry deputy director Kong Liang explained that the coronavirus outbreak has forced the government to impose transport restrictions. These have affected the delivery of important feed and veterinary supplies.

Last month, the Chinese Government ordered a lockdown of the city of Wuhan as a preventive measure to curb further spread of coronavirus.

Government officials have also imposed a ban on the trading of live animals across all food markets.

The recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) has also put pressure on pork supplies.

To meet the growing demand the government is planning to increase the imports of pork products to address the issue.

Kong said: “Looking at it from a market perspective, due to the regional blockades, pork supplies in some places are tight, and prices have risen by a certain extent.”

Deaths from the coronavirus outbreak have risen to 910, as of the end of 9 February. This includes 97 new deaths from the day before.

The coronavirus outbreak is also interrupting the government’s efforts to revive the pork industry from the ASF impact.