Monitoring Heavy Metals, Mycotoxins, Coccidiostats and Microbial Contamination in Animal Feed: A North Macedonia Study (2018-2022)
Journal
Macedonian Veterinary Review
Date Issued
2025-06-24
Author(s)
Enimiteva, Vangelica
Angelovski, Ljupco
Ilievska, Gordana
Koceva, Dushica
Angeleska, Aleksandra
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2478/macvetrev-2025-0023
Abstract
Feed contamination can occur at every stage of the feed chain, including manufacturing, storage, transport, and
utilization. Ensuring feed safety is fundamental for livestock health, animal performance, and food safety throughout
the feed-to-food chain. The study aimed to make qualitative and quantitative assessment of microbiological and chemical
hazards in animal feed in North Macedonia from 2018 to 2022. A total of 1,629 feed samples were analysed for heavy metals,
mycotoxins, and coccidiostats, whereas 598 samples were examined for microbial contamination. The results indicate a
significant prevalence of heavy metals, with lead (Pb) detected in 100% of the samples, although mostly within regulatory
limits. Mycotoxins, notably ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), were also identified, with non-compliance in
10.88% of cattle feed for AFB1. Coccidiostat residues exceeded the maximum levels in 4.6% of the samples. Microbiological
analysis revealed that 1.34% of feed samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp., and 3.8% tested positive for sulphitereducing
clostridia. The findings on both microbiological and chemical hazards indicate their potential to threaten the feed
safety chain. Accordingly, this study emphasizes the need for continuous comprehensive feed safety monitoring and the
enforcement of stringent safety regulations to safeguard animal and public health in North Macedonia.
utilization. Ensuring feed safety is fundamental for livestock health, animal performance, and food safety throughout
the feed-to-food chain. The study aimed to make qualitative and quantitative assessment of microbiological and chemical
hazards in animal feed in North Macedonia from 2018 to 2022. A total of 1,629 feed samples were analysed for heavy metals,
mycotoxins, and coccidiostats, whereas 598 samples were examined for microbial contamination. The results indicate a
significant prevalence of heavy metals, with lead (Pb) detected in 100% of the samples, although mostly within regulatory
limits. Mycotoxins, notably ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), were also identified, with non-compliance in
10.88% of cattle feed for AFB1. Coccidiostat residues exceeded the maximum levels in 4.6% of the samples. Microbiological
analysis revealed that 1.34% of feed samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp., and 3.8% tested positive for sulphitereducing
clostridia. The findings on both microbiological and chemical hazards indicate their potential to threaten the feed
safety chain. Accordingly, this study emphasizes the need for continuous comprehensive feed safety monitoring and the
enforcement of stringent safety regulations to safeguard animal and public health in North Macedonia.
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