"Zimbabwean farmers giving chickens HIV drugs", Scientists claim
Scientists have warned that Zimbabwean farmers are illegally using human HIV antiretroviral drugs in chicken feed to induce rapid growth. Experts caution that this practice is unethical, creates chemical bloating, and risks developing drug-resistant germs.
Why it matters
The misuse of human medication in livestock poses a significant threat to food safety and public health by potentially fostering antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Bester said that adding any human medicine to animal feed was 'a recipe for disaster' and said it is understood the drugs are being bought on the black market.
"We believe farmers are using these HIV pills in chicken feed. It's obviously illegal," she said.
"It really makes the meat dangerous and creates drug-resistant germs that we really don't want in our health system."
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