Nova Scotia’s Acadia University lab will receive $1.2 million in funding from the provincial government to further explore the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases. Nicoletta Faraone, the head of the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the vital role of these funds in establishing and expanding the lab’s operations.
The allocated funds will predominantly support the lab’s surveillance efforts, focusing on identifying tick species in the region, analyzing the pathogens they carry, and evaluating their reactions to repellents and attractants. Ticks, known for transmitting diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, pose a significant health risk to humans.
Faraone highlighted the lab’s cutting-edge equipment, which enhances the speed and accuracy of pathogen testing. She emphasized that the research aims to deepen understanding of ticks and enhance strategies for minimizing tick bite exposure.
The funding stems from Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, sponsored by the Department of Advanced Education. Stefan Leslie, the CEO of Research Nova Scotia, emphasized the importance of advancing research beyond the laboratory to address the growing challenge of tick-borne illnesses.
Recent data from the Public Health Agency of Canada revealed an increase in Lyme disease cases nationwide, with Nova Scotia alone accounting for 40% of reported cases. Additionally, other tick-borne diseases like anaplasmosis are also on the rise in the region.
In addition to provincial funding, the federal government is contributing $455,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to support the project. This financial support will enable the lab to continue its breeding program, producing ticks locally for research purposes.
Previously, the Acadia lab had to purchase ticks from the sole known tick-breeding facility in North America, located at Oklahoma State University. Local breeding at Acadia will facilitate the study of Canadian tick genetics and serve as a revenue stream by selling specimens to researchers nationally and internationally.
Faraone confirmed that the breeding program is operational, with ticks collected throughout different seasons. The lab is closely monitoring the environmental conditions to optimize tick colony growth.
In summary, the funding injection will significantly advance tick research efforts at Acadia University, enhancing knowledge about tick-borne illnesses and bolstering preparedness to combat these diseases effectively.