A research lab at Acadia University in Nova Scotia has received a funding boost of $1.2 million from the provincial government to further its studies on preventing and managing tick-borne diseases. Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the crucial role of this financial support in establishing and expanding the lab.
The lab plans to utilize the funds for its 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. Tick bites can transmit various illnesses like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to humans.
Faraone highlighted the lab’s advanced equipment that will enhance the speed of pathogen testing. She stressed the importance of gaining more knowledge about ticks and strengthening preparedness to minimize tick bite exposure.
The funding originates from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, supported by the Department of Advanced Education. Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, underscored the significance of research that can transition from the lab to practical applications in combating the rising challenge of tick-borne diseases.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada reveals a surge in Lyme disease cases nationwide, with Nova Scotia accounting for 40% of the reported cases. Additionally, other tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis are also on the rise in the region.
Notably, the federal government is contributing $455,000 to the project through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. This additional funding will enable the lab to continue its research, including the breeding of ticks locally, a process previously reliant on purchasing ticks from a facility in the United States.
The ability to breed ticks on-site will facilitate the study of Canadian tick genetics and create a revenue stream by selling specimens to researchers domestically and internationally. The lab has already initiated its tick breeding activities, with a focus on maintaining optimal environmental conditions to support tick colonies’ growth.
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