The Government of Uganda has launched the anti-tick vaccine multi-location field trials at Mbarara Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MbaZARDI).
The trials will take place at four other locations including: Uganda Prison Farm Isimba, Uganda Prison Farm Kiburara, Maruzi Livestock Research Centre, and Nabuin ZARDI in the Districts of Masindi, Ibanda, Apac, and Nabilatuk.
The trial vaccine has passed initial test stages (laboratory tests, proof of concept, on-station clinical trials administered both orally and by intramuscular injection) of prequalification and now proceeds to the final geographical trial stage.
Upon the successful conclusion of this trial, results will be assessed for quality standardization which makes the vaccine safe for public use.
The vaccine has completed the second to last stages of final approval for use. The approved use of the trial vaccine will save the country an annual economic loss of UGX 3.8 trillion caused by ticks and tick-borne diseases.
While unveiling the anti-tick vaccine to the farmers in Mbarara on Thursday, Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze, noted that the scientists have put the vaccine’s efficacy so far at 88%.
He said that this is a big milestone for National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).
“Now, we are doing the final trial and scientists are confident it will work. We have no doubt the vaccine will solve the problem of ticks and tick-borne diseases.”
This launch is a result of efforts by NARO scientists towards developing a lasting solution to the tick challenge that has caused substantial economic loss to livestock farmers in this country.
NARO scientists have developed four injectable anti-tick vaccine candidates namely; NARO-RA (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus), NARO-AV (Amblyomma variegatum), NARO-RD (Rhipicephalus decoloratus), and an additional innovation, NARO-CV (a cocktail vaccine) against the brown, blue, and red ticks with promising results.
As part of integrated control programs, anti-tick vaccines promise an environmentally sound and effective intervention for the control of tick infestations and transmission of Tick-Borne Pathogens (TBPs).
The antigens used are immunologically active tick proteins that stimulate antibody production once inoculated into a vertebrate host.
Scientists say protection is achieved when specific antibodies are produced by immunized hosts and when ingested by the attaching ticks, they disable tick feeding, growth, reproduction, and general tick fitness.
Once the NARO Anti-tick vaccine is licensed by the regulatory authorities for use, most of the losses associated with ticks and tick-borne diseases incurred along the livestock industry value production will be no more.