Zimbabwe poultry farmers illegally use HIV drugs in chicken feed, investigation finds

ZIMBABWE – An investigation has uncovered the illegal use of human antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in Zimbabwe’s poultry sector, with some broiler farmers reportedly mixing the medicines into chicken feed to reduce mortality and speed up bird growth. 

The practice has raised concerns over food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the potential impact on HIV treatment.

The investigation by the Southern Africa Accountability Journalism Project (SA AJP) found that some farmers purchase ARVs through illegal channels and incorporate them into feed and drinking water, believing the drugs protect birds against disease and improve production performance. 

One farmer interviewed said the practice had helped reduce flock losses and shorten the production cycle from six weeks to four weeks.

Zimbabwe’s Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act prohibits the use of medicines intended for humans in food-producing animals without appropriate authorization. 

Experts interviewed during the investigation warned that residues of antiretroviral medicines in poultry products could pose risks to consumers, particularly people living with HIV, although direct evidence linking poultry consumption to reduced treatment effectiveness remains limited.

The report notes that similar practices have previously been documented in Tanzania and Uganda, where researchers detected ARV residues in poultry feed, meat and animal tissues. 

However, no controlled scientific studies have demonstrated that antiretroviral drugs improve growth performance in broiler chickens.

AMR and food safety concerns

Veterinary experts say the misuse of human medicines in livestock extends beyond ARVs. 

According to the investigation, farmers also use other antimicrobial products in poultry production, increasing concerns about antimicrobial resistance.

The World Health Organization identifies the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in humans and animals as a major driver of AMR, making infections more difficult to treat. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has also identified Zimbabwe’s broiler value chain as a significant user of antimicrobials and warned that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming an increasing challenge in the country’s poultry sector.

The investigation also cites concerns over the diversion of publicly supplied ARVs into illegal markets. 

Zimbabwe has approximately 1.3 million people living with HIV, with about 1.2 million receiving antiretroviral treatment. 

Any diversion of medicines intended for patients could place additional pressure on the country’s HIV treatment programme.

Researchers and veterinary professionals say the findings highlight the need for stronger regulation of veterinary medicines, tighter enforcement against illegal pharmaceutical distribution, and greater awareness among poultry producers about the risks associated with using unapproved human medicines in livestock production.

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