The provincial government of Nova Scotia has allocated $1.2 million to support research on tick-borne illnesses at Acadia University’s laboratory. Nicoletta Faraone, head of the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the significance of this funding in establishing and enhancing the lab’s capabilities.
The funds will primarily be utilized for the lab’s surveillance program, which focuses on identifying tick species in the region, analyzing the pathogens they carry, and assessing their responses to repellents and attractants.
Ticks, known for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis through their bites, pose a considerable health risk to humans. The lab boasts cutting-edge equipment that expedites the process of testing pathogens, aiding in better understanding and preparedness against tick bites.
Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, funded by the Department of Advanced Education, provided the financial support. Stefan Leslie, the CEO of Research Nova Scotia, highlighted the importance of advancing research beyond the laboratory to address the growing challenges posed by tick-borne diseases.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed that Nova Scotia reported 2,350 cases of Lyme disease in 2024, representing 40% of the national cases. Additionally, cases of other tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis, have been on the rise in the region.
In further support of the project, the federal government is contributing $455,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This additional funding will enable the lab to continue its research and establish a dedicated tick-breeding facility.
Previously reliant on purchasing ticks from a facility in Oklahoma, Acadia University’s lab will now breed its own ticks, facilitating the study of Canadian tick genetics. The breeding program is expected to generate revenue by supplying tick specimens to researchers nationally and internationally.
Faraone confirmed that the tick-breeding operations at the lab have commenced, with ticks collected throughout the fall, spring, and summer. The lab is closely monitoring environmental conditions to optimize tick colony growth.
MORE TOP STORIES