Zimbabwe farmers feed ARVs to chickens in bid to boost growth, say industry insiders
Zimbabwean chicken farmers are reportedly mixing antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) intended for HIV patients into chicken feed to accelerate growth and prevent disease. This illegal practice raises significant public health concerns regarding drug resistance and the safety of the food supply.
Why it matters
The misuse of life-saving human medication in agriculture poses a serious threat to public health and the efficacy of HIV treatment programs in the region.
In a drive to maximise profits, Zimbabwean chicken farmers regularly buy antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), intended for HIV patients in the country, on the black market to mix into chicken feed. Farmers believe the drugs protect their stock from diseases and act as growth stimulants. This means fewer deaths and quicker turnaround of chickens for slaughter. But, the practice is unlawful and harmful to the health of unsuspecting human consumers of the meat.
The Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project (SA AJP) interviewed two people operating on the frontlines of broiler chicken farming in the Harare area, both of whom illuminated the practice.
Zimbabwe has a high incidence of HIV. Experts say there are concerns that repeated exposure to antiretroviral residues could interfere with HIV treatment or contribute to drug resistance, although direct evidence for this in humans is limited.
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