Uganda has officially launched NAROVAC, a groundbreaking home-grown anti-tick vaccine developed to protect cattle from destructive tick infestations and tick-borne diseases, marking a major milestone in the country’s agricultural and scientific advancement.
Unveiled at the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI) in Namulonge, the vaccine was developed by scientists from the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in partnership with Spanish researchers after more than a decade of research.
NAROVAC targets key proteins in dangerous tick species such as the brown ear tick and blue tick, triggering cows to produce antibodies that interfere with tick feeding and reproduction. This innovative approach significantly reduces tick populations without relying heavily on chemical acaricides.
According to field trial results, the vaccine demonstrated an effectiveness rate of between 75% and 99%, with no animal deaths recorded during testing. Researchers also revealed that use of chemical tick sprays dropped drastically from 104 applications per year to just 12, reducing costs for farmers while minimizing chemical exposure.
Uganda, home to an estimated 15 million cattle, has long suffered major economic losses due to tick infestations and related diseases. Experts estimate that NAROVAC could save the country more than $1.1 billion annually by reducing livestock deaths, improving productivity, and lowering spending on chemical tick control.
The vaccine is expected to particularly benefit smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Uganda’s livestock industry, by offering a safer, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to one of the sector’s biggest challenges.
Officials say the launch of NAROVAC not only strengthens Uganda’s fight against livestock diseases but also positions the country as a leader in African agricultural innovation and veterinary science.
