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Nova Scotia's Lyme battle: Scientists find 70% of ticks carry bacteria
20 Sep
Summary
- Researchers collected nearly 4,000 ticks across Nova Scotia.
- Seventy percent of collected ticks carry Lyme disease bacteria.
- Pioneering scientist Vett Lloyd inspired new tick research efforts.
A five-year tick surveillance project is underway in Nova Scotia, aiming to combat the province's high rate of Lyme disease. Biologist Laura Ferguson is leading the research, which has already involved collecting around 4,000 ticks from across mainland Nova Scotia. Scientists at Acadia University's Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre will test these ticks for pathogens.
Initial findings indicate a concerning prevalence, with Ferguson reporting that 60 to 70 percent of collected ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. This research seeks to understand the extent of this prevalence throughout the province. The project draws inspiration from the work of New Brunswick biologist Vett Lloyd, who became a prominent figure in tick research after contracting Lyme disease herself.
Lloyd's personal quest to help others avoid her experience led to extensive research, including testing thousands of ticks and advocating for those affected by tick-borne illnesses. Her efforts have paved the way for current research, such as Ferguson's project, which continues to explore tick behavior, survival, and the spread of diseases.
