Acadia University’s laboratory in Nova Scotia is set to receive $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government to continue its research on preventing and managing tick-borne diseases.
Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the significance of the funding in establishing and expanding the lab’s operations.
The allocated funds will support the lab’s surveillance efforts to identify the species of ticks present in the region, assess the pathogens they carry, and evaluate their responses to repellents and attractants.
Tick bites can transmit various diseases to humans, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Faraone highlighted the lab’s cutting-edge equipment, which will enhance the efficiency of pathogen testing processes.
She underscored the importance of advancing knowledge about ticks to better prepare for reducing exposure to tick bites.
The funding originates from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, which receives backing from the Department of Advanced Education.
Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, highlighted the growing challenge of tick-borne illnesses for both people and animals, emphasizing the need for research that translates laboratory findings into practical solutions.
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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 in 2024 reported over 5,800 cases of Lyme disease nationwide, with 2,350 cases in Nova Scotia alone, representing 40% of the national tally.
Anaplasmosis and other tick-borne illnesses are also increasing, with anaplasmosis being a bacterial infection transmitted by blacklegged ticks and brown dog ticks.
After Nova Scotia designated anaplasmosis as a notifiable disease in 2023, reported cases surged from 317 to 681 last year.
Funding to facilitate tick breeding
Additionally, the federal government is contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, according to Acadia University.
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