Over 750 Million Genetically Engineered Mosquitoes Will Be Released In The Keys—Here’s Why

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.

In case you’re wondering why the heck genetically modified mosquitoes are even a thing, there is a reason behind all of it.

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.

Out of the male and female Aedes aegypti mosquitos, the females are the ones who bite for blood in order to help mature her eggs.

It was the local outbreak of dengue fever in Florida between 2009 and 2010 which is what led to desperate measures from the Mosquito Control District.

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.

Many Florida Keys residents are outraged over the news, citing that they do not want to be treated as "guinea pigs” for this type of experiment.

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!