The provincial government of Nova Scotia has allocated $1.2 million to support ongoing tick-borne illness research at Acadia University’s laboratory. Nicoletta Faraone, who heads the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, emphasized the crucial role of these funds in establishing and enhancing the lab’s capabilities.
The funding will primarily fuel the lab’s surveillance efforts, focusing on identifying tick species, analyzing carried pathogens, and assessing their response to repellents or attractants. Tick bites can transmit various diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis, underscoring the significance of this research.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the lab aims to expedite pathogen testing processes to deepen understanding of ticks and enhance preparedness for reducing tick exposure risks. The Research Nova Scotia’s Focused Research Initiative, supported by the Department of Advanced Education, facilitated this crucial funding.
According to Research Nova Scotia CEO Stefan Leslie, addressing tick-borne diseases necessitates research that transitions from theoretical studies to practical applications. Notably, the federal government is supplementing the project with an additional $455,000 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to foster tick breeding initiatives.
The ability to breed ticks locally at Acadia University will enable researchers to delve into the genetic composition of Canadian ticks. Furthermore, this breeding program is envisioned to not only facilitate research endeavors but also generate revenue by supplying tick specimens to researchers domestically and internationally.
Faraone revealed that the tick-breeding operations at the lab are already in progress, with ticks collected throughout different seasons to ensure optimal breeding conditions. This advancement signifies a significant stride in tick research and control efforts.
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