Less than 12,000 mosquitoes are expected to emerge each week for approximately 12 weeks to combat insect-borne diseases such as Dengue fever and the Zika virus.
Apr 30, 2021
MIAMI (AP) Genetically modified mosquitoes are being released in the Florida Keys in an effort to combat persistent insect-borne diseases such as Dengue fever and the Zika virus.
The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and the Oxitec biotechnology company announced Thursday that release boxes, non-release boxes and netted quality control boxes are being placed this week in six locations: two on Cudjoe Key, one on Ramrod Key and three on Vaca Key.
Starting early next month, less than 12,000 mosquitoes are expected to emerge each week for approximately 12 weeks. Untreated comparison sites will be monitored with mosquito traps on Key Colony Beach, Little Torch Key and Summerland Key.
First-ever US release of genetically modified mosquitoes begins in Florida Keys
The first release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States began this week in the Florida Keys the culmination of a decade-long effort by l.
Posted: Apr 30, 2021 2:44 PM
Updated: Apr 30, 2021 5:45 PM
Posted By: CNN
The first release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States began this week in the Florida Keys the culmination of a decade-long effort by local mosquito control authorities to see if a genetically modified organism is a viable alternative to spraying insecticides in the region.
For the first 12-week phase, blue-and-white boxes containing about 12,000 GMO eggs developed by a US-owned, British-based company called Oxitec have been placed in six small areas of Ramrod Key, Cudjoe Key and Vaca
The first release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the United States began this week in the Florida Keys the culmination of a decade-long effort by local mosquito control authorities to see if a genetically modified organism is a viable alternative to spraying insecticides in the region. For the first 12-week phase, blue-and-white boxes containing about 12,000 GMO eggs developed by a US-owned, British-based company called Oxitec have been placed in six small areas of Ramrod Key, Cudjoe Key and Vaca Key. When water is added, the mosquitoes hatch, mature and enter the environment over the next week or so. A small, vocal group of Florida Key residents have fought the release of what they call mutant mosquitoes since the project was announced and they are incensed.