Анотация: Until 2009 no data are available for the circulation of avian influenza viruses (AIV) in backyard poultry in Republic of Macedonia. In 2009 virological and molecular surveillance was conducted in backyard poultry in the risk areas of the country according the National Annual Program for AI and Commission Decision 2007/268/EC. A total number of 2151 samples were analyzed. Two thousand and twenty cloacal swabs (sampled from backyard poultry - poultry sector 4 from the risk areas in Republic of Macedonia i.e., areas where migratory waterfowl gathers) and 131 organs/cloacal swabs (for daily routine diagnostics) were tested by virological and molecular methods. The virological diagnosis was performed by isolation on embryonated chicken eggs, followed by macro hemagglutination, hemagglutination on microtiter plate and inhibition of hemagglutination. The molecular diagnosis was performed by RRT-PCR for M-gene. All samples were negative for AIV. However, 4 samples were positive on avian paramyxovirus 1 (Newcastle disease virus). The wild birds, as a reservoir for AIV were not included in the surveillance which on the other hand does not ensure complete information for the AIV circulation in R. Macedonia and should be further investigated. This fact imposes the need for overall national action to ensure the concept of early detection and response in case of emergence of avian influenza