Nova Scotia’s Acadia University lab has secured $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government for ongoing research on tick-borne illnesses prevention and management. The Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, led by Nicoletta Faraone, emphasized the significance of this funding in establishing and expanding the lab’s capabilities.
The allocated funds will primarily support the lab’s surveillance program, dedicated to identifying the tick species in the region, analyzing the pathogens they carry, and evaluating their responses to repellents and attractants. These blood-feeding arachnids pose a health risk by transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to humans.
Faraone highlighted the lab’s advanced equipment, which will enhance the efficiency of pathogen testing. The ultimate goal is to enhance knowledge about ticks and enhance preparedness in minimizing tick bites’ exposure.
The financial support stems from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, funded by the Department of Advanced Education. Stefan Leslie, the CEO of Research Nova Scotia, stressed the importance of research that translates laboratory findings into practical solutions for combatting tick-borne diseases.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed a concerning trend, with over 5,800 reported cases of Lyme disease nationwide in 2024, out of which Nova Scotia accounted for 2,350 cases, representing 40% of the national total. Additionally, incidents of other tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis are on the rise in the province.
In parallel, the federal government is contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This additional funding will enable the lab to continue its groundbreaking work, including establishing a tick-breeding facility to support research initiatives. Previously, the lab had to purchase ticks from a facility in the United States.
The local tick-breeding capability will allow researchers to examine the genetic composition of Canadian ticks comprehensively. Moreover, Faraone plans to commercialize the specimens to support tick-related research efforts nationally and internationally.
The breeding program has already commenced, with ticks collected throughout different seasons. The lab is closely monitoring the conditions conducive for tick colonies to thrive and multiply.
The development is a vital step towards advancing research on tick-borne diseases and enhancing strategies for disease prevention and management.