Some 1,300 pigs have died in a fire at a factory farm in Limburg. The blaze destroyed a 120-metre barn where the pigs were being raised.

The fire brigade managed to prevent the fire spreading to a second barn. Officials are now investigating the cause of the blaze which is thought to have originated in the roof.

Last year the cabinet said it is to take steps to improve fire safety standards in the intensive livestock farming sector. In October 2011, parliament passed a motion calling for tougher measures.

In February, some 800 pigs died in a factory farm fire near Tilburg and in December, 300 pigs were killed in a fire at a farm in Gelderland.