Nova Scotia’s Acadia University lab has secured $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government for ongoing research into tick-borne diseases. Nicoletta Faraone, who oversees the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the crucial role of these funds in establishing and expanding the lab’s operations. The funding will primarily support the lab’s surveillance program, which analyzes the tick species present in the region, their disease-carrying potential, and their reactions to repellents and attractants.
Ticks, known for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis through their bites, pose a significant health risk to humans. Faraone highlighted that the lab is equipped with advanced technology to streamline the pathogen-testing process, aiming to enhance understanding of ticks and strengthen preventive measures against tick bites.
The financial support stems from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, backed by the Department of Advanced Education, reflecting the increasing importance of combatting tick-borne illnesses for both humans and animals. Stefan Leslie, Research Nova Scotia’s CEO, emphasized the need for practical research solutions beyond laboratory settings to address these challenges effectively.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed a surge in tick-borne diseases, with over 5,800 reported cases of Lyme disease nationwide in 2024, of which 2,350 cases were documented in Nova Scotia alone, accounting for 40% of the national tally. Cases of anaplasmosis, another tick-borne illness, have also been on the rise, with Nova Scotia reporting 681 cases in the latest figures compared to 317 cases in 2023.
In addition to the provincial funding, the federal government is contributing $455,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to support the project. This financial backing will enable the lab to continue its research, including the breeding of ticks locally. Previously, the lab had to source ticks from a facility in Oklahoma, but now, with its tick-breeding capacity, researchers can delve into the genetic composition of Canadian ticks. Apart from advancing scientific knowledge, the breeding program is expected to generate revenue by supplying tick specimens to researchers across Canada and globally.
Faraone confirmed that the tick-breeding facility at Acadia University is operational, with ticks collected throughout different seasons for breeding purposes. The lab is actively monitoring and optimizing conditions to foster tick colonies successfully.
