A laboratory at Acadia University in Nova Scotia has received a financial boost of $1.2 million from the provincial government to further its research on the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases. Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the critical role of these funds in establishing and expanding the lab’s operations.

The allocated funds will primarily support the lab’s surveillance program, which focuses on identifying the types of ticks present in the region, the pathogens they carry, and their response to repellents and attractants. Ticks, known for transmitting various diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis through their bites, pose a significant health threat to humans.

With cutting-edge equipment in place, the lab aims to streamline the pathogen-testing process to enhance its understanding of tick behavior and improve strategies for reducing exposure to tick bites. The funding, provided through Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, underscores the growing importance of addressing tick-borne diseases for both human and animal health.

According to the latest data from the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were over 5,800 reported cases of Lyme disease nationwide in 2024, with Nova Scotia alone accounting for 40% of these cases. The rise of tick-borne illnesses like anaplasmosis is also a growing concern, with reported cases on the upswing in recent years.

In addition to the provincial funding, the federal government is contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This financial support will enable the lab to continue its research efforts, including the development of a local tick-breeding program.

Previously reliant on purchasing ticks from an external facility, the Acadia lab can now breed its own ticks, facilitating a deeper exploration of Canadian tick genetics. This breeding initiative is not only a scientific advancement but also a potential source of revenue, as the lab intends to supply tick specimens to researchers nationally and internationally.

The lab’s tick-breeding activities have commenced, with ticks collected throughout different seasons to establish breeding colonies under optimal environmental conditions. This initiative is expected to enhance research capabilities and contribute to the broader understanding of tick-borne diseases and their prevention strategies.