Coronavirus could have been spread by bat soup after disturbing footage emerges

The outbreak of the SARS-like virus has caused 17 deaths and forced Chinese city Wuhan into quarantine with footage now suggesting bat soup could have caused the initial spread

The deadly coronavirus, which has already killed 17 people, could have been spread by bat soup - a popular delicacy in Chinese city Wuhan.

Experts believe fruit bats could be playing host to the virus as researchers have "underestimated" the condition, which is similar to pneumonia and SARS, according to a paper published in the Chinese Science Bulletin.

Wuhan, where the virus originated, has been quarantined, as the virus continues to spread.

Wuhan's local government said it would shut down all urban transport networks and suspend outgoing flights from the city as of 10am on Thursday, state media reported.

The government is urging citizens to not leave the city in the absence of special circumstances.

China confirmed 571 cases of the virus so far and 17 deaths.

Scientists believe an "unknown intermediate" may be spreading the disease.

Now there are suggestions the bat soup could be to blame after footage of the unusual cuisine emerged online, reports the Daily Star .

A grotesque image of a grinning bat with its cooked insides floating amongst broth in a bowl before it is consumed by a woman is turning stomaches across the globe.

A clip showing a girl putting one of the creatures in her mouth with chopsticks while eating with friends has had a similar reaction.

"The Wuhan coronavirus’ natural host could be bats … but between bats and humans there may be an unknown intermediate," said a statement from scientists published in the South China Morning Post.