Over 750 Million Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Will Be Released In The Keys—Here’s Why
By Marisa Roman|Published August 27, 2020
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
Sometimes the news in Florida can be a bit daunting. But sometimes, it can just be downright scary. This is probably not the type of headline you’d expect to see from Florida right now, but here’s a bit of science-related news that should not be ignored. There is a plan to release over 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes into the Florida Keys between 2021 and 2022 and here is everything you need to know about what that means.
Local authorities gave final approval to release 750 million genetically modified mosquitoes into the Florida Keys within the next two years.
The proposal had already gained state and federal approval, despite the fact that many residents and environmental advocacy groups have heavily objected the plan.
These modified mosquitoes, dubbed OX513A, were created as an alternative to spraying insecticides in order to control the species of mosquitoes that carry many of the deadliest diseases.
These new mosquitoes were modified in order to produce a female offspring of the Aedes aegypti, which dies in the larval stage, which is well before hatching and growing big enough to spread diseases like Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.
The OX513A had been field-tested already in certain areas of the world such as Brazil, Panama, and the Cayman Islands, with a trial in an area of Brazil resulting in a 95% reduction of the disease-carrying mosquito.
Environmental groups are concerned over how these genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes will affect the birds, mammals, and insects that use these mosquitoes as a source of food.
Quite the news in Florida, right? What are your thoughts about these genetically modified mosquitoes? Do you think they will help or harm the state? Sound off in the comments section!
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