Zimbabwe steps up drive to cut antibiotic use in poultry sector

ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe is accelerating efforts to reduce excessive antimicrobial use in its poultry industry as part of a wider campaign to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

The programme is being supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and centres on reshaping poultry production systems to prioritise disease prevention over routine antibiotic treatment.

Poultry farming remains a cornerstone of national food security and rural incomes, with thousands of smallholder and commercial producers relying on broiler and layer operations for livelihoods and nutrition.

Recurring disease outbreaks, weak biosecurity and ready access to veterinary medicines have, however, encouraged widespread dependence on antimicrobials across the sector.

Health experts warn that inappropriate or excessive antibiotic use increases the risk of resistant bacteria emerging, posing threats to animals, people and the environment.

In response, government officials and industry stakeholders recently convened to draft a targeted roadmap aimed at reducing antimicrobial reliance within poultry value chains.

The consultations brought together veterinarians, farmers, policymakers, researchers and private sector representatives to identify practical and sustainable alternatives.

Improving farm-level biosecurity emerged as a central recommendation, with participants highlighting sanitation, controlled farm access and better flock management as essential measures.

Experts stressed that preventing disease through improved housing, hygiene and age separation of birds is more cost-effective than repeated medical treatment.

Expanded vaccination coverage was also identified as a priority, with calls to improve access to quality vaccines and strengthen farmer training on correct administration.

Participants noted that better feed formulation and clean water management can reinforce bird immunity and lower infection risks.

Beyond technical interventions, the roadmap addresses behavioural and financial pressures that drive misuse, including fear of income losses and misunderstandings about dosage and withdrawal periods.

Stakeholders agreed that strengthening extension services, farmer education initiatives and peer learning platforms will be vital to encouraging responsible practices.

The strategy further proposes tighter oversight of antimicrobial sales and usage to curb the circulation of substandard products and promote veterinary supervision.

Enhanced surveillance of antimicrobial consumption and resistance trends in poultry operations is expected to guide future policy decisions.

Officials emphasised that reducing antibiotic use does not equate to lower productivity, arguing that improved farm management can cut costs while sustaining output.

Through coordinated One Health action focused on poultry systems, Zimbabwe aims to secure safer food production, protect public health and build a more sustainable agricultural sector.

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