Nova Scotia’s Acadia University lab is set to receive $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government for ongoing research into the prevention and management of tick-borne diseases. Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the crucial role of this funding in establishing and expanding the lab’s operations.
The allocated funds will primarily support the lab’s surveillance program, focused on identifying the tick species present in the region, the pathogens they carry, and their responses to repellents and attractants. Ticks, known for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis through their bites, pose a significant health risk to humans.
The lab boasts cutting-edge equipment that will enhance the efficiency of pathogen testing. Faraone highlighted the importance of this research not only for understanding ticks better but also for improving strategies to minimize exposure to tick bites.
The funding, part of Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, underscores the growing importance of addressing tick-borne diseases for both humans and animals. Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, emphasized the need for research that can translate into practical solutions beyond the laboratory setting.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed over 5,800 reported cases of Lyme disease nationwide in 2024, with Nova Scotia alone accounting for 40% of these cases. Additionally, other tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis are on the rise in the region, underscoring the urgency of continued research efforts.
In a bid to support tick breeding initiatives, the federal government is also contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This additional funding will enable the lab to breed its own ticks, a significant step forward from having to purchase ticks from the only known tick-breeding facility in North America.
Local tick breeding will enable researchers to delve into the genetic characteristics of Canadian ticks. Faraone indicated that the breeding program will not only facilitate research but also serve as a source of revenue by supplying specimens to tick researchers across Canada and internationally. The lab has already started breeding ticks collected throughout different seasons to create sustainable colonies for further study.