Nicoletta Faraone, an associate professor of chemistry, is embarking on an exciting venture as she takes the lead at Acadia University’s Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre. This innovative facility will focus on breeding ticks, testing repellents, and studying tick-borne diseases, making it the first of its kind in Canada.
Faraone emphasized the importance of this center in safeguarding public health, particularly in Nova Scotia, where the tick population is notably high. The research team relies on lab-bred ticks to ensure they are free from diseases.
While there is currently only one known tick-breeding facility in North America, located at Oklahoma State University where ticks are sold for $5 each, Acadia’s research center is set to fill this gap. The official opening is scheduled for the spring, with a one-year timeline to establish tick stocks and commence research activities.
Luís Anholeto, a post-doctoral fellow in the chemistry department, will oversee operations as the lab manager. Anholeto highlighted the significance of working with local tick strains to enhance the relevance of their research for Canadian public health, focusing on prevalent species like blacklegged and dog ticks.
Despite initial funding setbacks, a major donation of $755,000 from Peter and Susan Gordon in Ontario has breathed new life into the project. Faraone expressed gratitude for this support, underscoring the vital role of public belief in scientific endeavors.
Looking ahead, Faraone envisions a team of three full-time staff to operate the tickery, aiming for financial sustainability within five years through tick sales. Anholeto, equally enthusiastic about the opportunity, remains committed to advancing knowledge on tick-borne disease prevention and protection of human health.