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A new approach to protecting cattle from ticks
NAROVAC is Uganda's locally developed anti-tick vaccine. It is designed to support the control of cattle ticks by helping the animal's immune system respond to them.
NAROVAC information on this website is provided for public education. Availability and use remain subject to the applicable regulatory approvals and official guidance.
A vaccine developed for the realities of cattle production in Uganda
NAROVAC is an anti-tick vaccine developed through research conducted in Uganda. Unlike chemical acaricides, which act directly on ticks outside the animal, NAROVAC works through the vaccinated animal's immune response.
The vaccine is intended to form part of an integrated approach to tick control. Farmers should continue to follow approved veterinary guidance and should not change existing livestock-health practices without professional advice.
How NAROVAC Works.webp)
Why tick control matters
Ticks affect animal health, productivity and farmer livelihoods.
Cattle ticks can weaken animals and contribute to the spread of tick-borne diseases. Managing them can also require repeated use of chemical acaricides, creating costs and practical challenges for farmers.
NAROVAC research is focused on providing an additional, locally relevant tool that can support safer and more sustainable tick-control practices.
How it works
The animal's immune response becomes part of tick control.
Vaccination
NAROVAC introduces selected tick proteins to the animal's immune system.
Immune Response
The animal produces antibodies that circulate in its blood.
Tick Feeding
When a tick feeds on the vaccinated animal, it takes in these antibodies.
Disruption
The antibodies target important tick proteins, affecting feeding, development or reproduction.
Longer-term Control
Reduced tick survival and reproduction can contribute to a gradual reduction in tick burden.
This overview describes the general mechanism of action. For detailed scientific information, please refer to the published research on the Evidence page.
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Manufactured by NARO Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Centre
NAROVAC is manufactured by the NARO Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Centre (NVPC), a department of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) of Uganda. NVPC is committed to developing locally relevant solutions for livestock health challenges facing Ugandan farmers.
About NAROVAC® Anti-Tick Vaccine
The use of NAROVAC® Anti-Tick Vaccine will lead to an overall reduction in acaricide use and failure, improved animal health and well being, reduced contamination of the environment especially water and soil, and animal source foods.
| Product Name | NAROVAC® Anti-Tick Vaccine |
| Product Description | A subolesin-based vaccine for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in cattle. |
| Manufacturer | NARO Vaccines and Pharmaceuticals Centre |
| Product Type | Veterinary vaccine for control of ticks in livestock |
| Target Tick Species |
Brown Ear Tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) Bont Tick (Amblyomma variegatum) Blue Tick (Rhipicephalus decoloratus) |
| Composition |
Active Ingredient: Subolesin protein Excipients: Anhydro mannitol ether octodecenoate oily solution. Diluent: Phosphate Buffered Saline |
Benefits of using the vaccine
- The use of NAROVAC® Anti-Tick Vaccine will lead to an overall reduction in acaricide use and failure, improved animal health and well being, reduced contamination of the environment especially water and soil, and animal source foods.
- The overall integrated vaccine effectiveness was estimated at 75% – 99%, showing a strong capacity to reduce tick populations and, consequently, the risk of tick-borne diseases and associated health complications in cattle.
- The application of NAROVAC® is expected to reduce acaricide application frequency from 104 rounds a year to about 12 times in a year per animal.
- The use of the NAROVAC® Anti-Tick Vaccine will enable livestock farmers to break even at a lower cost.
- The application of NAROVAC® Anti-Tick Vaccine will lead to reduced national import bill for acaricides.
Choose the information that is right for you
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For farmers and livestock keepers
Understand what NAROVAC is, why tick control matters and where to get official support.
Information for Farmers.webp)
For veterinary professionals
Review the technical overview, field evidence and approved professional guidance.
Technical Information.webp)
For researchers and partners
Explore publications, field studies and the scientific journey behind NAROVAC.
View Research & Evidence.webp)
Evidence developed through research
NAROVAC's development is supported by published research on anti-tick vaccination, field evaluation and cattle-tick control in Uganda. The evidence library brings these publications together in one place for researchers, veterinary professionals, institutions and the public.
Explore the EvidenceOfficial availability information
NAROVAC is regulated by the Uganda National Drug Authority. NAROVAC is awaiting NDA Market Authorization and cGMP. National roll-out plan has been endorsed by H.E the President of Uganda.
Contact the NAROVAC TeamPresidential Launch of the NAROVAC Anti-Tick Vaccine
His Excellency the President of Uganda officially launched the NAROVAC Anti-Tick Vaccine, marking a historic milestone in Uganda's agricultural innovation and livestock health management.
The same occasion included the commissioning of the NAROVAC Anti-Tick Vaccine manufacturing facility, strengthening Uganda's capacity to produce the vaccine locally.
The launch underscores the Government of Uganda's commitment to locally developed and locally manufactured solutions for Ugandan farmers and the wider livestock sector — a demonstration of the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) agenda in action.
Footage of the official launch and the commissioning of the manufacturing facility.
Photographs: State House Uganda (PPU). Read the official launch report.
Latest updates
Follow official updates on NAROVAC research, field activities, partnerships and public information.
Research
Safety Study Results Published in Peer-Reviewed Journal
Comprehensive safety study findings published, confirming the favorable safety profile of NAROVAC in native Ugandan cattle breeds.
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Field
Meet our Champion Farmers
Extended field trials were conducted across 50 districts with farmers who volunteered. Check out their testimonies.
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Events
Manufacturing Facility Milestone at Wakiso
The NAROVAC production facility on Zirobwe Road, Wakiso District achieves key manufacturing readiness milestones for vaccine production.
Read moreLooking for official information about NAROVAC?
Contact the NAROVAC team for farmer support, veterinary information, research enquiries, partnerships or media requests.
