Tick is a major disease that affects livestock production in Africa and worldwide. Yearly, about 1.1million cattle die from tick-borne diseases. This results in about $160 million in economic losses for farmers. Tick vectors also contribute to 30% death in cattle and account for 90% disease control cost in the continent.

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In 2016, a study by the United States National Health Institute ranked Uganda as the hardest hit location of the vectors disease. The new vaccine will, therefore, help combat the high livestock mortality rate in the continent.

According to NARO’s Director-General, Dr Ambrose Agona, the new vaccines will combat three species of tick vectors like the brown ear, bont and blue tick disease which spreads East coast fever, anaplasmosis and babesiosis also known as Redwater.

Uganda’s State Minister for Animal Husbandry, Joy Kabatsi described the vaccine as the beginning of a new chapter in livestock farming in the country since the prevalence of tick nearly rendered livestock farming impossible. She also stated that the invention will save the country a huge sum of money lost to the procurement of anti-tick vaccines annually.  

Kabatsi added that the Ugandan government has set aside 100 billion shillings to support the scientist. The vaccine has gone past the first stage of clinical trials where it showed 50% effectiveness in combating tick diseases. This percentage is expected to increase to 70% before its full launch. Also, it will undergo a second trial period that will be conducted on farms.

The post NARO Invents Anti-tick Vaccine for Livestock Farmers appeared first on MTFC | Meet The Farmers Conference - Nov 2019 - Dubai UAE.

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He founded Cowtribe in 2016, an on-demand animal vaccine delivery service provider which utilizes cloud-based computing and mobile technology to accurately forecast demand for vaccines from livestock farmers in Ghana.
His mobile technology national scale system provides healthcare and disease prevention for livestock farmers. With the Cowtribe mobile app, farmers receive disease alerts for timely prevention, information and educational health tips. To offer farmers quick and affordable access to vaccinations,

Peter deployed warehouses in rural communities so that veterinarians can deliver vaccines to rural areas with the use of motorcycles, at subsidized rates.
Peter is currently working across 3 districts in Ghana, signed up over 30000 farmers and have about 116 veterinarians that have delivered over 40000 vaccines through his platform. Every day, not less than 500 animals are vaccinated and veterinary doctors now have more patronage as a result of increased demands. Peter plans to expand to 7 more districts this year and aims to cover entire Ghana by 2020.

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