Why Butula farmers are giving livestock ARVs

A non-governmental organization has on Friday expressed dismay over the move taken by farmers from Butula Area in Busia County who administer antiretroviral drugs to their livestock.

Farmers in Butula area claim that ARVs are given pigs and chicken in a bid to increase their yields and size. They say the drugs also help prevent opportunistic diseases.

Reep Director Mary Makoha said the use of ARVs on is wrong as the medication is very expensive, and specifically meant for HIV patients.

Speaking in Butula Technical Institute, Mrs Makoha condemned the act, saying that it was a terrible form of drug abuse.

She also pointed out that some of the HIV patients fail to adhere to the prescriptions given on the ARVs drugs, despite the oblivious dangers they are facing in their lives.