A laboratory at Acadia University in Nova Scotia has secured $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government to advance its research on preventing and managing tick-borne diseases. Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the critical importance of these funds in establishing and enhancing the lab’s capabilities.
The allocated funds will primarily support the lab’s surveillance program, focusing on identifying the tick species present in the region, the pathogens they carry, and their responses to repellents and attractants. Tick bites can transmit various diseases to humans, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Faraone highlighted that the lab is equipped with cutting-edge technology to expedite pathogen testing processes. The ultimate goal is to deepen understanding of ticks and enhance preparedness to minimize exposure to tick bites.
The funding originates from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, which is backed by the Department of Advanced Education. Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, emphasized the growing challenge of tick-borne diseases for both people and animals, underscoring the necessity for research that can translate into practical applications.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed a significant rise in Lyme disease cases nationwide, with over 5,800 reported cases in 2024, 40% of which were reported in Nova Scotia. Additionally, other tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis, are also on the increase.
Acadia University disclosed that the federal government is contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This additional support will enable the lab to continue its research, including the breeding of ticks on-site, a significant development that will facilitate the study of Canadian tick genetics.
Previously, the lab had to purchase ticks from a facility in North America, but with the new funding, they can breed ticks locally, allowing for in-depth genetic analysis. Faraone mentioned that the breeding program will not only advance research but also generate revenue by selling specimens to researchers nationally and internationally.
The tick breeding initiative at Acadia University is already operational, with ticks collected throughout different seasons. The lab is closely monitoring the environmental conditions conducive to the multiplication of tick colonies.
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