Scientists have released genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild – an experiment humans have been waiting for a long time

The project’s goal is to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito species, which spreads diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus infection in the region, according to iflscience.com.

Although Aedes aegypti accounts for only about 4 percent. Of the entire mosquito population of the Florida Keys, representatives of this species are responsible for nearly all human cases of mosquito-borne diseases. Previous methods of controlling Aedes aegypti, such as spraying or evaporating chemical insecticides, have failed because these mosquitoes have acquired resistance.

Therefore, an alternative solution was needed.

“Our primary mission is to protect the Florida Keys from all mosquitoes, including the disease-spreading Aedes aegypti. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control Agency remains committed to seeking specific and environmentally friendly measures to protect to the population and preserve the local fauna and flora, ”said Andrea Leal, executive director of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Agency.

“With full approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as well as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Board Independent, we hope to see the results of the project in the coming months, “he added.

Male mosquitoes have been genetically modified to express a specific protein called tTa in their body. When these mosquitoes mate with female Aedes aegypti, the protein is inherited and kills the female offspring. Consequently, the Aedes aegypti population should decrease and, in turn, the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.

It should be noted that modified males have been successfully tested under natural conditions in other countries. They do not pose a threat to the environment or to other species of insects such as bees and butterflies.
Oxitec has obtained all the necessary regulatory approvals. Genetically modified mosquitoes will be released in a total of six strategically selected Florida Keys locations in the coming months.

“The challenges posed by mosquito-borne diseases are increasing, not decreasing, so this pilot project is a major step toward introducing safe limited-use technology in the United States,” said Gray Frandsen, CEO of Oxitec.