What’s the story on genetically modified mosquitoes?

news release

We may have differences of opinion about genetically modified foods (GMOs), but genetically modified mosquitoes, well, that’s a different story.

This Aedes aegypti is taking a blood meal from a person’s skin and is the target of the genetically modified mosquitoes experiment. The experiments are a collaboration between Florida Keys Mosquito District and Oxitec. Photo by Jim Newman

The UF/IFAS team recently published an explanation of their work on taking a bite out of pesky mosquito populations. Much of that work is being conducted right here in Vero Beach at the Florida Medical Entomology Center on Oslo Road. The article by Lourdes Mederos, “UF/IFAS researchers explain science behind genetically modified mosquitoes,” begins:

For the first time in United States history, the experimental use of genetically modified mosquitoes is taking place in the Florida Keys through Spring 2022.

The pilot projects involve the permitted release of adult Aedes aegypti, also known as. yellow fever mosquito male mosquitoes, to test their ability to reduce the population of the wild and invasive Aedes aegypti species known to spread deadly diseases to humans.

Scientists at the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory of University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) have released a detailed consumer publication explaining what makes a genetically modified mosquito, the science of using the species as a mosquito control method, what to expect and more.

VERO BEACH, Fla – South Florida residents seeking science-based information about genetically modified mosquitoes can access a new, online resource from University of Florida scientists at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory