Acadia University’s laboratory in Nova Scotia is set to receive $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government to further its research on the prevention and management of tick-borne diseases.
Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the critical nature of the funds in establishing the lab’s foundation.
The allocated amount will primarily support the lab’s surveillance program, which focuses on identifying the tick species present in the region, the pathogens they harbor, and their reactions to repellents and attractants.
These blood-feeding arachnids can transmit various diseases to humans, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
Faraone highlighted the lab’s cutting-edge equipment, which will streamline the pathogen testing process, aiding in a better understanding of ticks and enhancing preparedness to minimize tick bite exposure.
The funding originates from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, which is backed by the Department of Advanced Education.
In a news release, Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, emphasized the increasing challenge posed by tick-borne diseases to both humans and animals, underscoring the necessity for research to transition from the lab to practical application.
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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 2,350 cases, representing 40% of the national total.
Other tick-borne illnesses, like anaplasmosis, are also seeing an upward trend, with a substantial increase noted in Nova Scotia since the disease was classified as a notifiable condition in 2023.
The laboratory at Acadia University announced that the federal government is contributing an additional $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
