LIRA CITY, July 29, 2025 –– The National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] has revealed that Uganda loses approximately Shs 3.8 trillion each year due to the treatment of livestock affected by ticks.
In response to the escalating impact, NARO officials announced the development of a new anti-tick vaccine, which is set to be rolled out to livestock farmers across the country in the coming weeks.
Dr Fredrick Kabi, NARO’s Principal Investigator, highlighted the significant toll ticks take on livestock, both directly and indirectly.
He noted that direct effects include irritation, blood loss, and the transmission of tick-borne diseases, while indirect consequences range from anaemia and weight loss to reduced milk production, damaged hides, and ultimately severe economic losses for farmers.
Kabi was speaking during a media training session held recently at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City, focused on NARO’s innovative research and the development of the anti-tick vaccine.
He explained that while acaricides have been the primary method of tick control for over a century, their effectiveness has waned over time. Furthermore, their continued use has resulted in environmental degradation, food contamination, and the death of non-target organisms.
To address this growing challenge, NARO has developed an effective vaccine targeting ticks that transmit tick-borne diseases, particularly in cattle.
“Mass production and roll-out of the new vaccine, NAROVAC Anti-Tick, will commence in August,” said Dr Kabi. “We already have the necessary infrastructure and core personnel in place to support nationwide distribution.”
Kabi assured that the vaccine does not interfere with the animals’ physiological functions, and that trace metabolites in milk and faeces pose no risk to consumers or the environment. He further explained that the vaccine works by generating anti-subolesin antibodies, which hinder oviposition and hatchability, thereby disrupting the tick’s life cycle.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases [TTBDs] remain one of the most pressing challenges in Uganda’s cattle production systems, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as increased costs for treatment and control.
According to the 2021 National Livestock Census, Uganda’s cattle population stands at approximately 14.5 million, an increase of 26.9 percent from the 11.4 million recorded in 2008. Of this, 77 percent are indigenous breeds, while 23 percent are exotic or crossbreeds.
NARO’s anti-tick vaccine marks a significant milestone in the fight against TTBDs and is expected to provide sustainable relief to livestock farmers across Uganda.
https://thecooperator.news/naros-anti-tick-vaccine-factory-denied-over-shs-60bln-funding/
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