BEIJING — China has urged local governments, except those in Wuhan and other areas in serious situations, to support the resumption of livestock production amid the fight against the novel coronavirus.

The animal husbandry sector has been facing problems like feed supply shortages, transportation and sales difficulties, and the lack of workers who can return to work, said a statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport.

Local governments should issue supportive measures and allow enterprises, involving feed and livestock and poultry slaughtering and processing, to resume work, and no restrictions such as examinations or approvals should be imposed, the statement said.

Priority should be given to ensuring the demand for personnel protection materials and the supply of water, electricity and gas in the enterprises, it said.

It also urged the correction of some inappropriate practices, such as blocking roads in some villages, townships and counties.