KAMPALA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday launched a locally developed anti-tick vaccine, marking a major step in efforts to boost dairy and beef production.
The NAROVAC Anti-Tick Vaccine was developed by scientists at the state-run National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) after years of research.
Describing the vaccine as "revolutionary," Museveni said tick infestations have long caused significant losses for farmers. Unlike acaricides, to which ticks have gradually developed resistance, the vaccine is administered once every six months and remains effective.
"The acaricides were a bad replacement because they are toxic, and eventually the ticks get used to them. Now the cow kills the tick. That is what the vaccine does," Museveni said.
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Frank Tumwebaze said that the government will continue investing in science-driven agriculture, which supports over 70 percent of Uganda's population.
According to NARO, trials showed the vaccine is effective, with no detectable residues in milk or beef, confirming their safety for consumption.
Data from ScienceDirect indicate that Ugandan farmers lose more than 1.1 billion U.S. dollars annually due to tick-borne diseases, particularly East Coast Fever.
