Measures for the protection of poultry - MACEDONIA - A directive proposal for the protection of poultry destined for consumption was approved by the European Union after studies revealing problems in the health and treatment of mass production poultry.

European Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, responsible for health and consumer protection issues, stated that the right treatment of animals is a matter of ethics and quality for consumers.

The proposal defines that the basic maximum concentration of animal capital should be equal to 30 kg of live animals per square meter, while it also provides the terms that will ensure the right treatment of animals.

The number of chicken slaughtered on an annual basis is the largest compared to any other animal in the European Union.

Source: Macedonian Press Agency - 3rd June 2005