This project has been launched to reduce the population of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Female Aedes mosquitoes spread pandemics such as dengue, malaria or zika virus.
mosquitoes
For the first time in the US, a unique initiative has been taken to combat epidemics like Dengue, Zika Virus and Yellow Fever. Genetically modified mosquitoes have been released as part of a pilot program in the province of Florida. These mosquitoes are specially designed to kill the mosquitoes that spread the epidemic.
The UK biotechnology firm Oxitec has done nearly a decade of research on this project. The British firm has launched the project in collaboration with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) to reduce the population of mosquitoes of Aedes (Aedes aegypti). Female Aedes mosquitoes spread pandemics such as dengue, malaria or zika virus.
Local concern
Oxitec and local administration have high expectations from this project. But there is a lot of concern among local people and environmental groups. He says that we have no idea what the long-term results of this new technology will be. However, the Environmental Protection Agency has given the company Experimental Use Permit (EUP) in early May.
Half a dozen boxes of GM mosquitoes ready
The Oxitec firm has produced six boxes of OX5034 mosquitoes. They were left within a radius of 195 kilometers to the south of Florida. To eliminate female Aedes mosquitoes that spread diseases, the company has made male mosquitoes by changing the genes. These male mosquitoes will kill female Aedes mosquitoes before they become adults. At the same time, these male mosquitoes will be able to form mosquitoes with new genes by forming relationships with female mosquitoes.
How will the new technology work
According to Reuters News Agency, Oxitec’s head of global public affairs Meredith Fensum said that we have a small container in which we lay mosquito eggs. Apart from this, we have a small container to eat, which we will leave open. After this, we will fill this container with half the water and close the lid. After a week or two, mosquitoes that do not bite will be born.
Project was successful in some countries
The company says that such projects have been successful in Brazil, Panama, Cayman Islands and Malaysia up to 90 per cent. In the initial phase, 12 thousand mosquitoes will be released, but by the end of the year millions of GM mosquitoes will be released in the entire area. These mosquitoes have been prepared in such a way that they will produce fluorescent flashes so that when they are caught, they can be easily identified.
Mosquitoes are becoming increasingly powerful
Common mosquitoes are becoming increasingly powerful and common methods are becoming ineffective on them. Traditional methods such as spraying smoke from trucks or helicopters or other measures are now failing. Mosquitoes no longer die from them. In 2009 and 2010, dengue spread in Key West, after which the administration decided to seek help of this company.
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