Called OX5034, these male mosquitoes have a very specific purpose: to reproduce with females of the species. Aedes aegypti, potentially carrying the Zika virus. The genetic modification of these mosquitoes will block the growth of the larvae. They will therefore not be able to develop, sting or reproduce.
In May 2021, the company had already released 750 million in Florida, with convincing results since a significant drop in mosquito populations has been recorded.
No reason to worry
There would be no reason to fear this release of “GMO” mosquitoes. First of all, modified mosquitoes are males so do not bite, only females feed on human blood and carry disease. The impact on the environment is also much less substantial. The other way to eradicate mosquitoes is to release insecticide in nature. A very effective solution but which also kills other kinds of insects such as bees. Mosquito populations decline but are not completely suppressed, thus maintaining a reservoir of food for birds and bats.
