Acadia to open tick breeding and research centre with $755K donation
From the Springboard Content Lab and Acadia University Newsroom
Springboard member Acadia University has received a $755,000 donation to support a “tick nursery” that will allow researchers breed the tiny pests and conduct research necessary to tackle the public health consequences of tick-borne disease.
The donation, from Peter and Susan Gordon, Ontario, will support the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre (CTRIC) at Acadia. The research, led by Acadia Associate Professor Dr. Nicoletta Faraone, will improve the understanding of local tick populations and develop strategies for preventing and managing disease.
“Given the serious public health consequences of a sharply rising tick population in many parts of the country, it’s critical that we expand our understanding on an expedited basis. We are delighted to support this important Canadian research initiative being led by Dr. Nicoletta Faraone and her colleagues. We hope our initial support will also attract additional funding from other stakeholders.”
– Peter and Susan Gordon
The Gordons were impressed with a groundbreaking study by Acadia researchers showing that lemongrass essential oil impairs the ability of ticks to detect human scents. Ticks carry Lyme disease and other pathogens that can cause debilitating diseases in humans. The research found that lemongrass not only masks human scents but also acts as a repellent.
Previous tick research prompted donation
Springboard Industry Engagement Professional Leigh Huestis said this research inspired the Gordon couple to invest in further tick research.
Leigh Huestis
“The Gordons saw a good news story and wanted to help create another. Their generosity is inspiring. It reminds us that when research is supported and shared, it has the power to change lives and strengthen communities.”
– Leigh Huestis, Executive Director of Acadia’s Office of Industry & Community Engagement
Acadia “tickery” to breed local specimens
One of the challenges faced by researchers is the availability of local tick specimens on which to conduct their research. Researchers have been importing ticks from US labs (at $ 5 USD per tick) to conduct their research.
The Acadia “tickery” will address this challenge by breeding genetically relevant ticks. It will be the first tick breeding facility in Canada to supply home-grown ticks that are genetically local.
“Controlled breeding eliminates environmental and genetic variables, ensuring results are consistent and scientifically valid. By maintaining colonies that reflect the genetic diversity of ticks found in Canada, we can study species that are locally relevant and provide data that directly supports Canadian public health and product development.”
– Dr. Nicoletta Faraone, lead researcher at the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre, Acadia University
The Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre (CTRIC) will open in Acadia’s Huestis Innovation Pavilion in 2026. The goal of the CTRIC is to breed local ticks, test pathogens and evaluate repellents. This will strengthen the understanding of tick populations so we can manage and prevent tick-borne disease.
Climate change exacerbating tick threat
As climate change brings warmer winters and a widening tick range, tick-borne diseases are a growing threat. In addition to rising Lyme disease cases, pathogens such as Anaplasma, Babesia, Rickettsia, and Powassan virus are also spreading across Nova Scotia, Canada, and internationally.
Dr. Faraone’s research team includes Dr. Laura Ferguson (Biology) and Dr. Kirk Hillier (Biology). Their research will position Acadia as trailblazer in tick research, surveillance and repellent development and testing.
Acadia tick facility to supply local specimens for research
Acadia’s CTRIC will establish a nursery for ticks to supply genetically relevant, Canadian-bred specimens (such as blacklegged and dog ticks) for research that can better serve our public health needs.
The CTRIC will also make Acadia a go-to source for Canadian-bred ticks, meeting a growing demand among government, academic, and industry researchers who currently have to shop south of the border for tick specimens.
“The Made-in-Canada movement probably didn’t have ticks in mind,” said Huestis, “but the CTRIC is a perfect example of Atlantic academic researchers tackling a real-world problem on home turf. We hope this progress keeps gaining momentum and leads to discoveries that benefit communities across Canada and the world.”
Acadia University is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to grow the regional economy through research commercialization, and industry engagement, solving real-world problems.