The FDA have approved the use of genetically engineered mosquitoes to combat Zika. RT Reports:
Trials have already taken place in Brazil and Panama, but critics argue that female mosquitoes developing a preference for‘normal’ males could reduce the project’s effectiveness.
The scheme, led by British-based biotech company Oxitec, created the transgenic male Aedes aegypti mosquito, with a trait designed so that any offspring will require antibiotics to develop beyond the larval stage.
The genetically modified mosquito, also known as OX513A, was designed to help control the mosquito-borne diseases of the Aedes aegypti, known to transmit potentially debilitating human diseases, including Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.
The approval announced by the Food and Drug Administration on Friday does not mean the agency has approved the genetically engineered (GE) mosquito for commercial use. The field trials will also require approval by Floridians.
“Oxitec is responsible for ensuring all other local, state, and federal requirements are met before conducting the proposed field trail, and together with its local partners, the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, to determine whether and when to begin the proposed field trail in Key Haven, Florida,” stated the FDA
Although the Zika propaganda has somewhat slipped out of the News in recent months it does appear to be coming back in to the limelight, we saw just yesterday in Miami the local authority spraying an entire 10KM area with poisonous Insecticide.
And now we hear of the first Zika outbreak native to the US being reported:
Potential first #Zika outbreak native to US under investigation https://t.co/LMH2aqlUfL pic.twitter.com/iQg0jq8PbM
— RT America (@RT_America) July 20, 2016