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Posted: 10th November 2016

Florida divided over genetically modified mosquitoes
Voters in Florida are divided on whether or not to use genetically modified mosquitoes in the fight against Zika and other viruses.
Referendum reveals concerns over planned release

Voters in Florida are divided on whether or not to use genetically modified mosquitoes in the fight against Zika and other viruses, according to the Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.

The Centre say that, in a non-binding referendum, 58 per cent of voters in Monroe County voted in favour of using the mosquitoes. Meanwhile in Key Haven - a neighbourhood where the insects would be released next spring - 65 per cent of voters opposed the idea.

In spite of the need for mosquito control, locals worry that genetically modified mosquitoes may pose an unpredicted environmental threat. It is thought that early reports, which erroneously linked microcephaly to genetically modified mosquitoes, may also have a part to play in the doubt.

The genetically modified mosquitoes are manufactured by British company Oxitec, who plan to assess their effectiveness for fighting Zika.  According to BBC News, Oxitec want to release male insects across a 17-hectare region of Key Haven, a small suburb located on an island on Florida’s southern tip.

The US Food & Drug administration approved Oxitec’s mosquitoes for use in August, saying that, following months of comments from the public, the mosquitos fell under the category of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

The results of the Florida poll will now be put to board members on 19 November, who will make the final decision on whether the mosquitoes will be used next spring.

Speaking to BBC News, Dr Derric Nimmo, who has been leading Oxitec’s proposed trial in Key Haven, said: We've had six years of releases, involving millions of male mosquitoes, and there have been no reports of any adverse effects."

"It's important we're as transparent as possible... we've been trying to give people the facts and information so they can make an informed choice."



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