Import of 23.7 tons of chicken meat from Brazil prevented in North Macedonia

North Macedonia's Food and Veterinary Agency has successfully intercepted a significant shipment of frozen chicken meat originating from Brazil, preventing the import of approximately 23.7 tons. The agency cited violations of existing regulations designed to protect the country from highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.

The specific reason for the rejection was that the meat was produced in January 2025. North Macedonia has a strict policy prohibiting the import of shipments derived from animals slaughtered, loaded, or certified before August 1, 2025. This regulation is part of a broader measure to safeguard against the introduction of the bird flu virus into the country.

This incident is not isolated. Veterinarians at the same border crossing turned back a shipment of over 26 tons of frozen chicken drumsticks from Brazil in December 2025 for similar reasons related to the bird flu prevention measures. These repeated interceptions highlight ongoing efforts by North Macedonian authorities to maintain stringent biosecurity protocols concerning animal product imports.

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The shipment of frozen chicken meat was rejected because it was produced in January 2025, and according to the adopted decision, the import of shipments obtained from animals slaughtered, loaded, and certified before August 1, 2025 is prohibited.