Zimbabwean poultry farmers persistently misuse ARVs to boost chicken growth despite warnings

Despite longstanding bans and health warnings, some Zimbabwean farmers continue to use illegal antiretroviral medicines to enhance poultry production, raising concerns over public health and antimicrobial resistance.

An investigation by the Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project has found that some poultry farmers in Zimbabwe are allegedly turning to antiretroviral medicines, bought on the black market, to treat chickens as if they were livestock supplements. The drugs, intended for people living with HIV, are being crushed into feed or mixed with water in the hope of reducing mortality and accelerating growth.

The practice is not new. Zimbabwean media reported similar claims as far back as 2012, and veterinarians again warned in 2022 that ARVs and steroids were being misused in poultry production. Yet the latest reporting suggests the trade has persisted despite repeated public warnings and formal prohibitions on using human medicines in food animals.

One Harare farmer, identified only as Jane, told Daily Maverick that repeated disease outbreaks pushed her into the illegal market. She said the drugs appeared to cut losses and expand output, but added that she does not eat the chickens herself.

Health specialists say the immediate concern is not only unlawful diversion of scarce HIV medicine, but also possible residues in meat and the broader risk of antimicrobial resistance. Zimbabwe’s health ministry says about 1.2 million people are on antiretroviral treatment, making diversion from legitimate supply chains especially sensitive.

Veterinary officials say stronger enforcement, tighter medicine controls and better farmer education are needed to curb a practice that threatens both public health and food safety.