Florida community split on using GM mosquitoes against Zika

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis.

With Zika creeping north towards the U.S., one company identified Key Haven, Florida as the perfect spot to experiment with a controversial method of combating Zika using genetically modified mosquitoes. However, this idea has created a divide among the residents in the Florida Keys.

Many say they don’t want to be guinea pigs for an experimental technology that could fly into their homes.

“I don’t want my kids to be used as lab rats,” said Mila De Mier, a prominent opponent of the trial. Those against using GMO mosquitoes also say that there is not enough data on releasing them and that they are concerned that releasing these insects into the wild could lead to unintended consequences. Others, however, support the idea.

“We’ve got to stop that Zika virus from being a flash fire coming through us to the rest of the country,” said Clay Greager, a retired local, with a sense of urgency. “And if they say it can’t happen, they have no idea.”

Read full, original post: Fighting Zika in the US: The Battle Over GMO Mosquitoes

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}
screenshot at  pm

Are pesticide residues on food something to worry about?

In 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring drew attention to pesticides and their possible dangers to humans, birds, mammals and the ...
glp menu logo outlined

Newsletter Subscription

* indicates required
Email Lists
glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.