A skyscraper for pigs in China features separate floors for sows, boars, and piglets
Journalists from the Italian TV program "Report" have revealed exclusive photos and videos of a 26-story pig farm located less than 62 miles from Wuhan, a city in China. This magnificent structure is just one of many more such facilities currently under construction. Experts warn that such ventures might pose a significant environmental threat.
12:57 PM EST, November 6, 2023
"Almost four years after the Covid-19 outbreak, we visited Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, home to 11 million residents," announced Giulia Innocenzi, the program's presenter. "It is believed that this is where the virus initially transferred from animals to humans," she added.
With the use of special magnifying glasses, the journalists were able to provide a distant view of the multi-story pig farm still under construction. The already completed 26-story building features separate floors for sows, boars, and piglets.
Transportation of animals is facilitated through elevators, making it the tallest pig-farming skyscraper in the world. A second tower is currently being built next to it. Upon completion, this "farm" aims to be capable of producing 1.2 million pigs annually.
The video, produced by the "Report" team and shared on Instagram, tallied over 2 million views on Sunday evening, quickly gaining viral status.
After considerable negotiations with the province's authorities, the Italian journalists managed to gain access to another vertical farming complex. However, this one lacks the impressive height of the one under construction.
The reasoning behind skyscrapers for pigs, explained
The Chinese government initiated the construction of these high-rise farms in response to a devastating swine disease that wiped out hundreds of millions of animals. Authorities feared a potential famine as a result. According to the Chinese, these skyscrapers serve to disconnect pigs from the outside, thereby protecting them from diseases and viruses.
For every 6,000 pigs, there is one employee who is required to live on the farm. They only have four days off a month. Prior to entering the building, they must take three showers, undergo a day of quarantine, and pass a disease test. Despite these precautions, experts express concerns over the ecological impact of such farming and question the efficacy of isolating pigs from viruses.
"What is worrying is that an official delegation from Spain, interested in this type of farming, visited this 26-story 'farm' a few days ago. Dutch entrepreneurs have also toured the largest farm in the world," Innocenzi informed.
