Zika Fighting Mosquitoes in Florida?
Mosquitoes being used to fight the Zika virus? This research is on the cutting edge of science as genetically modified mosquitoes are being produced to stop the Zika virus. Last week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave approval for a field test of these mosquitoes in the Florida Keys. However, before testing can begin, the approval of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) is also required. The FKMCD plans to issue a survey to gage how the Florida residents feel about the testing being held in their community, and then the FKMCD will vote on the proposal this fall. Currently it appears that most residents are in favor of the program.
How it works
The only target of this research are the disease carrying Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes, which are non-native to the United States. Because the Aedes Aegypti breed of mosquito only breed with their own kind, the control is species specific. The modified males have had a gene introduced into their system so that their cells don’t function normally. This gene, known as a ‘self-limiting’ gene, makes an end to mosquito reproduction as the offspring do not make it to adulthood. The released mosquitoes and their offspring will both die so the gene doesn’t spread. The self-limiting gene is non-toxic, so if a predator ate one of the modified mosquitoes, or if an animal were bitten by one, it would have the same effect as encountering a wild one. During the testing phase, the modified male mosquitoes will be released three times a week and the results will be shared with the public.
What the heck is Zika anyway?
Zika is a virus that is spread mostly by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which are most active in the day but may also bite at night. However, people should know that the virus can also be spread through sex and from a mother to her fetus. The Zika virus causes symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain, and headaches but most people only experience mild symptoms and don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital. There is no vaccine or medication for the virus and symptoms can last for several days up to a week. The main concern is when the virus is spread from a mother to her fetus as the virus has been known to cause severe birth defects of the brain. Zika virus has also caused defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth among infected fetuses.
Prevention
There are several steps that can be taken to lower your risk of getting a mosquito bite. Using insect repellent is on top of the list, especially in the early morning and late afternoon hours when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing is also important as it adds a layer of protection, so wearing long- sleeved shirts and long pants that have been treated with insect repellent is also recommended. Staying in places with window and door screens or that use air conditioning can also help prevent bites. Removing standing water around your house is also an important step as mosquitoes breed in water.
http://www.oxitec.com/programmes/united-states/
About Oxitec
As the FKMCD has been working hard to rid Florida of the disease carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, it only make sense to partner with Oxitec, the pioneer biotech research company spearheading this project. Unless steps are taken to control or somehow prevent this virus, it will only continue to spread. Oxitec has a good reputation and focuses on insect control that is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost effective. If the testing is successful, it will allow population control of the mosquitoes without the use of insecticides which will allow beneficial insects to prosper. Testing is currently taking place in the Caymen Islands with positive results, and if approved for testing to take place in Florida, the test results will be made know to the public.