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Research Nova Scotia invests $1.2M to combat tick-borne diseases

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Ticks are becoming a real problem across Canada, which is why Research Nova Scotia (RNS) is investing $1.2 million through its Focused Research Investment (FRI) program to support the development and commercialization of technologies that address tick-borne diseases.

The announcement was made Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Acadia University in conjunction with the official opening of the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre (CTRIC).

The project is led by Drs. Nicoletta Faraone, Laura Ferguson, and Neil Kirk Hillier.

Dr. Nicoletta Faraone is an associate professor of chemistry at the university and director of the CTRIC. She says the investment will help the centre create new tick repellents and control technologies that will strengthen its ability to detect and monitor emerging pathogens.

RNS was joined by Minister of Advanced Education, Brian Wong, and other project partners for the announcement.

Wong says the investment builds “on Nova Scotia’s expertise in tick repellency, helping local companies, such as the South Shore’s PureGard, compete in new markets.”

Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, says “Tick-borne diseases are an increasingly important challenge for people and animals, and addressing them requires research that can move beyond the lab and into practical use.

“FRI gives us a way to invest in research where there is a clear opportunity to tackle societal challenges and create economic value.”

a person holding a small bug

Online tool launched to track blacklegged tick activity in N.B.

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New Brunswick has launched a new online tool that shows where blacklegged ticks are being reported across the province.

Chief medical officer Dr. Yves Leger said the tick bite tracker lets people view reported tick bites and see risk areas categorized by health zone, according to a government release.

He said the tool supports the province’s ongoing surveillance work and gives residents another way to stay informed as warmer weather brings more tick activity.

“It is possible to be bitten by a blacklegged tick anywhere in the province, but the risk is highest in areas where tick populations are established or emerging,” Leger said in the release.

Leger said blacklegged ticks can transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses.

He’s encouraging people to use insect repellent, check for ticks after being outdoors and remove them promptly and safely.

The tracker is part of the government’s Be Tick Smart campaign, which focuses on helping residents protect themselves, recognize early symptoms of tick‑borne illness and seek medical advice when needed.

Deer tick (Photo by NCC) (2)

N.S. health officials raise awareness about tick safety as temperatures rise

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As temperatures rise, health officials warn that so does the risk of encountering ticks in Nova Scotia.

Several species — including blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, which can spread diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus — are becoming active again across the province.

Ticks are commonly found in tall grass, shrubs, gardens, and wooded areas, and often attach themselves to warm areas of the body.

Health officials say the risk can be reduced by wearing light-coloured clothing with long sleeves and pants, enclosed toe shoes with tall socks, avoiding dense vegetation and staying on well-travelled trails, and using insect repellents approved by Health Canada.

After spending time outside, it’s important to check around ears, behind knees, in hair, and around the groin and waste area where ticks can hide.

They also note that pets can bring ticks indoors, making regular checks important.

Local pharmacists can assess tick bites and determine if a preventative antibiotic is needed. Anyone with questions or concerns about tick safety or tick-borne illness can call 811 or visit the Nova Scotia Health Tick Service.