Genetically Modified Mosquitoes Are Safe, But Test Them on Floridians Just In Case

There is a pervasive fear of genetically modified organisms.  It has plagued the scientists at Monsanto for years.  So, no surprise here, the people of Florida are freaking out over plans to release genetically-engineered mosquitoes down in Key West to combat the deadly viruses being spread by their indigenous mosquito population.  Intrexon shares [ticker: $XON] are down nearly 20% today after their plan to kill native mosquitoes was met with resistance by Florida residents.  Science scares people, but their fears are without merit.

First of all Oxitec, the United Kingdom company (a division of Intrexon) who created these mosquitoes to save us, already tested their super bugs in Brazil. The results were stunning:

In Brazil, in the wake of mounting concern over Zika, Oxitec has announced it is expanding a program to release genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Piracicaba, a city about 100 miles northwest of Sao Paulo.

The company breeds and releases into the wild male mosquitoes that don’t produce viable offspring. When females mate with the GMO males, they lay eggs that hatch but the larvae die before adulthood. Oxitec says trials conducted in Brazil and other countries over the past decade show releasing bioengineered male mosquitoes can reduce the wild Aedes aegypti population by 90 percent.

In Piracicaba, the company says trials that started in April have reduced wild mosquito larvae by 82 percent. Oxitec has signed an agreement with the city to build a new mosquito production facility in the city and expand the trials to cover an area with up to 60,000 residents.

Source: Greg Allen, NPR [LINK]

Second, these are blood-sucking killers we are dealing with.  Mosquitoes nearly thwarted attempts to build the Panama Canal.  Back then harsh fumigation techniques were enlisted, tactics much more hazardous to the environment then genetic warfare.

Also, Oxitec is keeping with the spirit of full disclosure via their website, where they discuss playing ball with the FDA, announce public meetings, and update everyone on their progress towards releasing their savior bugs into the neighborhoods of Florida.

Finally, the islands south of mainland Florida, the keys, present the perfect petri dish for testing these new organisms.  If something were to go horribly wrong, the ‘situation’ could be contained.  However, the pesky residents have already managed to gather over 10,000 signatures on a petition against the proposed GMO mosquito deployment.

See Also: Shares of $INO Surge Off Zika Drug Virus Data

While British scientists work around the clock to combat the vampire bugs that haunt humanity, Florida residents are doing their best to block any progress.  They are like sunburned tourists who refuse to use sunscreen because of the chemicals.  However, their resistance will likely be a minor speed bump for Oxitec, who will soon be driving unmarked vans through residential neighborhoods, wafting 1000s of GMO mosquitoes into the air.

Below, Florida resident says mosquitoes are “what makes Florida, Florida” and suggests the mosquito killing plan is just about making money:

ABC News reports on the matter:

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