Acadia University’s laboratory in Nova Scotia is set to receive $1.2 million from the provincial government to further investigate ways to prevent and manage diseases transmitted by ticks.
Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the significance of this funding in establishing and expanding the lab’s capabilities.
The allocated funds will support the lab’s surveillance program, focusing on identifying tick species present in the region, the pathogens they carry, and their reactions to repellents or attractants.
Tick bites can lead to various illnesses in humans, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Faraone highlighted the lab’s advanced equipment, which will streamline the process of testing for pathogens.
“The primary goal is to enhance our understanding of ticks and enhance preparedness in minimizing the risk of tick bites,” explained Faraone.
The financial support is part of Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, funded by the Department of Advanced Education.
Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, stressed the importance of research that can be applied practically to address the growing challenge of tick-borne diseases.
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Tick-borne illness on the rise in Nova Scotia
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N.S. vet clinics noticing rise in one tick-borne disease
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed over 5,800 reported cases of Lyme disease nationwide in 2024, with Nova Scotia accounting for 2,350 cases, representing 40% of the national total.
Another tick-borne disease on the rise is anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection transmitted by blacklegged ticks and brown dog ticks.
After anaplasmosis was classified as a notifiable disease in Nova Scotia in 2023, reported cases increased from 317 to 681 last year.
Support for Tick Breeding
Additionally, Acadia University disclosed that the federal government is contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
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