Health officials and poultry industry leaders in Zimbabwe have issued warnings over the reported use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) in chicken feed by some farmers. The practice, allegedly intended to accelerate growth and prevent disease in poultry, has prompted concerns from authorities regarding public health risks and the diversion of essential medicines.
The use of ARVs, which are provided by the government and donors for the treatment of HIV in humans, is not approved for veterinary purposes in Zimbabwe. According to reports from local media and statements by industry bodies, some poultry producers are obtaining the drugs from illicit sources to mix into feed.
The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has stated that the practice is illegal and poses significant health risks. In public statements, the agency has highlighted the danger of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a condition where bacteria, viruses, and other microbes evolve to resist drugs designed to treat them. Health experts have warned that the consumption of meat containing traces of ARVs could contribute to drug resistance in humans, potentially making future medical treatments less effective.
Officials have also raised concerns about the potential for unknown toxicological effects on consumers who ingest the poultry meat. The long-term impact of consuming low levels of antiretroviral medications through food has not been formally studied.
In addition to public health, the practice affects the national supply of life-saving medication. According to UNAIDS, approximately 1.3 million people are living with HIV in Zimbabwe. Health advocates have noted that the diversion of ARVs to the black market for agricultural use undermines the national treatment program and deprives patients of necessary medication.
The Zimbabwe Poultry Association (ZPA), which represents formal poultry producers, has publicly condemned the practice. The organization has clarified in statements that its members are advised to use only approved veterinary medicines and growth promoters. The ZPA has distanced the formal industry from the illegal use of ARVs, attributing the practice to unregulated, small-scale producers.
In response to the recurring reports, government bodies including the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Department of Veterinary Services have stated they are investigating the issue. Authorities have warned that individuals found illegally selling or administering ARVs to livestock face legal penalties. The government has also called for increased surveillance of the pharmaceutical supply chain to prevent further diversion of the drugs.
