The National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has made a groundbreaking achievement in the development of a new anti-tick vaccine, NAROVAC, which is set to revolutionise livestock farming in Uganda.
The vaccine, developed by the National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), a research arm of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), has been proven to control ticks through “gradual tick population reduction.”
The development of the vaccine has been undertaken for 13 years by dedicated scientists who are attached to the NaLIRRI.
Dr. James Kakungulu, the Assistant Commissioner for Veterinary Regulation and Enforcement (MAAIF), speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Animal Health, Dr. Anna Rose Ademun Okurut, said that, “There is an enabling policy environment for the effective rollout of such timely solutions. The Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024, that was introduced through MAAIF, constitutes that.”
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries is completing an 80-million dose capacity storage facility in Entebbe and will continue to facilitate cold chain services to enhance distribution and storage of such vaccines,” he added.
How the NAROVAC Vaccine Works
The NAROVAC vaccine works by weakening any tick that sucks the blood from a vaccinated animal, making it difficult for the tick to multiply.
This innovative approach targets the ticks, not the animals, providing a safe and effective solution to tick-borne diseases.
The authorities at NARO contend that the vaccine has undergone extensive research and testing, including trials in all agroecological zones of Uganda, and has received approval from both local and global authorities in veterinary medicine.
Benefits to Livestock Farming
The NAROVAC vaccine will have a significant impact on livestock farming in Uganda, providing numerous benefits, including:
Reduced Economic Losses
The vaccine is expected to save Uganda’s economy over Shs3.8 trillion, which is lost annually due to tick-borne diseases.
Improved Animal Health
By controlling tick populations, the vaccine will reduce the incidence of tick-borne diseases, improving animal health and productivity.
Increased Livestock Productivity
With reduced tick infestations, livestock will be healthier, leading to increased productivity and better livelihoods for farmers.
Government Support
The development of the NAROVAC vaccine was fully funded by the government of Uganda, demonstrating its commitment to improving the livestock sector.
It is for this reason that the government has also taken steps to facilitate the rollout of the vaccine, including the construction of an 80-million-dose capacity storage facility in Entebbe and the provision of cold chain services to enhance distribution and storage.
Enabling Policy Environment
The Veterinary Practitioners Act, 2024, introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, provides an enabling policy environment for the effective rollout of the NAROVAC vaccine.
This Act will ensure that the vaccine is used effectively and safely, promoting the health and well-being of livestock.
The NAROVAC anti-tick vaccine is a game-changer for livestock farming in Uganda. With its innovative approach to tick control and government support, the vaccine is set to revolutionise the sector, improving animal health, increasing productivity, and reducing economic losses.
The development of the NAROVAC vaccine is a testament to the power of research and innovation in transforming the agricultural sector and improving the lives of farmers.