Hundreds of pigs suffocate because of ventilation failure

Pigs on a factory farm. Photo: Depositphotos.com
Pigs on a factory farm. Photo: Depositphotos.com

Hundreds of pigs at a factory farm in Melderslo in Limburg died because a defective air filter deprived them of oxygen, local broadcaster Limburg1 reported.

The dead animals were discovered on Tuesday morning. According to the fire brigade, 95% of the 700 pigs did not survive. The remaining pigs were taken elsewhere to be checked by a vet.

A ventilation system introduces air into a stable and reduces the amount of ammonia in the air, caused when pigs are kept indoors and their urine and faeces mix.

Police cordoned off the area but no harmful concentrations of toxic substances were found at the scene.

The cause of the failure is being investigated.

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