NAROVAC: a Ugandan scientific response to cattle ticks
NAROVAC is Uganda's locally developed anti-tick vaccine. It is designed to help the immune system of vaccinated cattle respond to ticks and reduce their ability to feed, survive and reproduce.
The vaccine emerged from research into the biological processes that ticks depend on and the possibility of targeting those processes through vaccination.
A local response to a persistent livestock-health challenge
Ticks and tick-borne diseases remain an important challenge for cattle keepers. Heavy tick infestations can affect animal health and productivity, while repeated chemical control can be expensive and difficult to sustain.
NAROVAC was developed to contribute an additional tool to integrated tick management—one informed by local research, field conditions and the cattle-production systems found in Uganda.
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How NAROVAC works
NAROVAC stimulates the animal's immune system to produce antibodies against selected tick proteins. These antibodies circulate in the animal's blood.
When ticks attach and feed, they take in the antibodies with the blood meal. Inside the tick, the antibodies interact with important proteins involved in processes such as feeding, digestion and reproduction. This can affect tick survival, engorgement and egg production, contributing over time to lower tick pressure.
This summary describes the general mechanism of action. Detailed antigen terminology, methods and trial results are documented in the peer-reviewed publications in the Evidence library.
Why Uganda needed its own anti-tick vaccine
The current ineffectiveness and misuse of acaricides in Uganda, warrants a novel product(s) that have minimal effects on animals, humans and the environment.
The anti-tick vaccines on market were based on BM86/95, antigens extracted from ticks that are not the problem in Uganda.
Uganda needed an anti-tick vaccine based on current prevailing ticks that transmit pathogens of diseases that kill livestock (ECF, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis etc). NARO therefore developed such a vaccine which is NAROVAC®.
Tick-control methods comparedThe development journey
Understanding the challenge
Researchers examined cattle ticks, tick-borne disease risks and limitations in conventional tick control.
Identifying a vaccine target
Research focused on selected proteins important to tick survival and reproduction.
Laboratory and field evaluation
Vaccine formulations and immune responses were studied, then evaluated under field conditions across different locations, cattle breeds and tick pressures.
Evidence, review & readiness
Published research and regulatory review inform the pathway toward approved public use.
2024–26: trials, approval and launch
Extended field trials, NDA suitability of premises, NDA licence to manufacture, presidential vaccine launch and commissioning of the manufacturing facility.
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Ugandan research and institutional context
NAROVAC is associated with the National Agricultural Research Organisation and the NARO Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Centre. The work reflects collaboration among Ugandan researchers and scientific partners contributing expertise in livestock health, vaccines and tick biology.
What the evidence indicates
Published studies have examined the safety, efficacy and field performance of Subolesin-based anti-tick vaccination in Uganda. The research includes trials conducted in multiple agro-ecological settings and involving cattle breeds commonly kept in the country.
Read the ResearchImportant guidance: NAROVAC should be discussed and used only in accordance with applicable regulatory authorization and approved veterinary guidance. Information on this website does not replace advice from a qualified veterinary professional.
