US Finds GMO Mosquitoes Won't Harm Environment

MIAMI,(APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Augst,2016) : A type of genetically modified mosquito made by the British company Oxitec should pose no danger to the environment, US regulators said after considering thousands of public comments. The US food and Drug Administration's environmental review for the release of Oxitec's genetically engineered (GE) mosquitoes, known as OX513A, found "the proposed field trial will not have significant impacts on the environment." The male mosquitoes are engineered so that their offspring will die before they reach adulthood, an approach Oxitec says can reduce the populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that can spread human viral diseases, including Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya.

The FDA decision does not, however, mean the mosquitoes are immediately approved for commercial use, said a statement from the federal agency. "Oxitec is responsible for ensuring all other local, state and Federal requirements are met before conducting the proposed field trial," said the FDA. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District will also weigh in on whether and when to begin the proposed field trial in Key Haven, Florida.