Nigeria has recorded a historic breakthrough in veterinary science with the development of the first indigenous anti-tick vaccine in West Africa, aiming to combat rising cases of tick infestation in livestock.
The vaccine, developed through recombinant DNA technology, is designed to protect cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs from the harmful effects of ticks and the deadly diseases they transmit.
The proprietary rights to this invention are exclusively held by the University of Jos and its inventors, Goni Abraham Dogo, a professor from the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Tanko Ishaya, also a professor from the Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology.
The federal government awarded a patent through a special licence to the University of Jos for the institution’s groundbreaking invention of an anti-tick vaccine (JUTVAC-NG).
This achievement follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the university’s request, granting the institution the full powers, sole privilege, and authority to exercise the full benefits of the vaccine for livestock development for a period of 20 years.
The issuance of the patent was confirmed by a letter of approval from Jane Igwe, registrar of the Patent and Design Registry at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Abuja.
Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on blood and are notorious for spreading diseases such as babesiosis, theileriosis, and anaplasmosis—all of which reduce livestock health and productivity.
As livestock production becomes more intensive in Nigeria, especially in the north and central regions, the problem of tick infestation has grown more severe and economically damaging.
Farmers commonly rely on chemical acaricides (tick-killing pesticides) to control infestations, but these substances come with growing problems of resistance, environmental contamination, and food safety concerns.
Over time, the unregulated use of these chemicals has led to ticks developing resistance, rendering many acaricide treatments ineffective and driving up production costs.
Additionally, chemical residues in meat and milk pose public health risks and reduce the export value of Nigerian livestock products, prompting the need for safer solutions.
In response, Nigerian scientists from the University of Jos, Plateau State, have turned to immunological innovation, developing a vaccine that empowers animals to defend themselves against ticks biologically, from the inside out.
The new anti-tick vaccine contains BM86, a protein found in the tick’s gut, produced using genetic sequences isolated from Nigerian tick species to ensure local effectiveness.
When livestock are vaccinated, they develop antibodies against BM86. Ticks ingest these antibodies while feeding, leading to damage in their digestive system, reduced feeding, and eventual death.
Two vaccine formulations have been developed: Formulation A (100 µg/dose) and Formulation B (50 µg/dose), tailored to the immune response and size of different animals.
The vaccine is administered through intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, with booster doses recommended to maintain strong, lasting immunity throughout the tick season.
The innovation is the first of its kind, not only in Nigeria but in all of West Africa, marking a significant scientific achievement with far-reaching economic and agricultural impact.
Unlike foreign vaccines, this new formulation was created specifically from Nigerian tick isolates, providing better immune targeting and higher potential efficacy in local conditions.
Beyond protecting animals from infestation, the vaccine helps to reduce transmission of pathogens between animals, especially in densely populated farms and pastoral areas.
Its environmental benefits are also notable, as it leaves no toxic residues in meat or milk and doesn’t pollute water sources or soil, unlike traditional acaricides.
Furthermore, the use of this vaccine is expected to slow down or prevent the development of resistance among tick populations by attacking biological rather than chemical pathways.
Laboratory tests have shown promising immunogenicity (the ability to provoke an immune response), while field trials across different Nigerian states are currently underway.
Early trial results reveal a marked reduction in tick burden, increased body weight, better milk yield, and overall improved animal health in vaccinated herds.
For farmers, this means healthier livestock, lower treatment costs, less dependence on acaricides, and increased profitability, especially in rural economies heavily dependent on animal agriculture.
The vaccine also aligns with Nigeria’s national strategies on food security, agricultural modernisation, and indigenous scientific innovation, reinforcing the role of biotechnology in development.
By improving the health and productivity of livestock, the vaccine supports efforts to reduce protein deficiency in Nigerian diets and meet the growing demand for animal products.
Nigeria’s leadership in developing the first anti-tick vaccine in West Africa also opens opportunities for regional export and scientific collaboration across ECOWAS countries.
The vaccine was developed through collaboration between veterinary researchers, microbiologists, molecular biologists, and local animal health institutions, showcasing the strength of Nigerian scientific expertise.
The team employed recombinant DNA techniques using Escherichia coli bacteria to produce the target tick proteins at scale, allowing for low-cost production and potential commercialisation.
Plans are already underway to partner with private pharmaceutical manufacturers for mass production and distribution of the vaccine nationwide.
Public awareness campaigns and veterinary training will accompany the rollout to ensure proper administration and maximum benefit at the farm level.
Ultimately, this innovation reflects a paradigm shift in how Nigeria manages livestock diseases—not through imported chemicals, but through locally developed, science-based solutions.
With this vaccine, Nigeria is not only protecting its animals but also safeguarding its economy, environment, and food system.