Florida to release genetically modified mosquitoes to prevent diseases like Zika
Florida to release genetically modified mosquitoes to prevent diseases like Zika
Tags: Aedes, Dengue, Genetic biocontrol, North America, Oxitec, Population suppression, Self limiting, Sterile insect technique (SIT)The West News, The West News, 2020.
Local authorities on Tuesday gave final approval to release 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys over a two-year period, starting in 2021.
The aim is to reduce the number of mosquitoes that carry diseases like dengue or the Zika virus.
The approval of a pilot project after years of debate drew a swift outcry from residents and environmental advocacy groups, who warned of unintended consequences.
One group condemned the plan as a public “Jurassic Park experiment”.
Local authorities on Tuesday gave final approval to release 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys over a two-year period, starting in 2021.
The aim is to reduce the number of mosquitoes that carry diseases like dengue or the Zika virus.
The approval of a pilot project after years of debate drew a swift outcry from residents and environmental advocacy groups, who warned of unintended consequences.
One group condemned the plan as a public “Jurassic Park experiment”.
