After scientists in Indonesia released mosquitoes infected with a bacterium that stopped them transmitting dengue fever, infection rates in treated areas were 77 percent lower.
Genetically modified mosquitoes are being released in Florida Keys despite protests naturalnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from naturalnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Florida releases genetically modified mosquitoes to reduce spread of disease
A pilot program intended to reduce the spread of deadly diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and the Zika virus
Reuters
May 16, 2021
A sign is seen outside a Florida Keys Mosquito Control District branch in Key Largo, Florida, U.S. May 4, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS
Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released for the first time in the United States, taking flight in the Florida Keys in a pilot program intended to reduce the spread of deadly diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and the Zika virus.
After an odyssey spanning more than a decade to secure regulatory approval, British-based biotechnology firm Oxitec, along with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD)launched the project in hope of reducing the Aedes aegypti species that spread the diseases.
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Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released for the first time in the United States, taking flight in the Florida Keys in a pilot program intended to reduce the spread of deadly diseases such as dengue, yellow fever and the Zika virus.
After an odyssey spanning more than a decade to secure regulatory approval, British-based biotechnology firm Oxitec, along with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD)launched the project in hope of reducing the Aedes aegypti species that spread the diseases.
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Oxitec has started releasing genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida
This is part of a program that aims to eradicate the Aedes aegypti species
This species, which comes from Brazil, carries Zika and other diseases
The program will release 12,000 mosquitoes per week over the next 12 weeks
Florida residents have been fighting against the program since 2016
Some say they were bullied into signing off on the trial program
Residents have also said it is an act of terrorism to release the insects