FVA confirms West Nile virus in three dead crows in Skopje and Resen
Agency received over 130 reports between 24 and 27 August; many carcasses were too decomposed for testing and nationwide surveillance is under way.
The Food and Veterinary Agency (FVA) said it received more than 130 reports of dead birds between 24 and 27 August, and that laboratory testing has so far confirmed West Nile virus in three specimens: two dead crows found in Skopje and one crow found in Resen.
The agency noted that not all reported carcasses could be tested because many were in an advanced state of decomposition and therefore unsuitable for sample collection and laboratory analysis.
Surveillance and scope
The FVA said it is continuing active field surveillance to determine where and to what extent the virus is circulating and to assess the risk of further spread. The planned monitoring will cover backyard and small‑scale poultry, birds kept in enclosures or closed facilities, and waterfowl in non‑commercial holdings across the country.
Authorities urge citizens to be alert and to report clusters of dead crows or other wild migratory birds observed in the same place within a short time frame to the Food and Veterinary Agency. For single dead birds found in Skopje, residents should notify the municipal communal services — specifically the public utility company "Komunalna Higiena" — so the carcasses can be collected and disposed of appropriately.
The FVA also indicated that its current monitoring has already confirmed that the virus is circulating among birds in Skopje, and therefore individual dead birds in Skopje do not routinely require additional laboratory testing. So far seven people have died from West Nile fever in North Macedonia.
Photo: press material from the event
