What is the problem with genetically modified mosquitoes?

A potential risk for individuals and communities is that the genetic modification might not work as intended and could theoretically increase the prevalence of some types of mosquito-borne diseases. For example, a genetic modification might promote malaria resistance but increase yellow fever susceptibility.

What are the risks of genetically modified mosquitoes?

GM mosquitoes do not pose a risk to people, animals, or the environment. The EPA evaluated the potential risk of releasing GM mosquitoes into communities and determined that there is no risk to people, animals, or the environment.

Should we genetically modify mosquitoes?

Here are some of the common benefits cited by proponents of genetically modified mosquitoes: Scientists say the introduction of GMO mosquitoes will lower the population of disease-carrying biting insects over time. Field-testing of the GMO mosquito has not found any significant impact on humans.

Is it ethical to genetically modified mosquitoes?

Field trials of disease-resistant GM mosquitoes raise a number of ethical issues and concerns, such as protecting the public and the environment from harm, balancing benefits and risks, collaborating with local the community, avoiding exploitation, and obtaining consent from research subjects.

What do the genetically modified mosquitoes do?

Developed by the biotechnology company Oxitec, the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are genetically modified so that males, which do not bite, are released into the wild and mate with females, which do bite. Their offspring are either male or females that never survive to reach maturity, the company says.

What are the cons of mosquitoes?

But a more serious consequence of some mosquito bites may be transmission of serious diseases and viruses such as malaria, dengue virus, Zika and West Nile virus, which can lead to disabling and potentially deadly effects (such as encephalitis, meningitis and microcephaly).

What would happen if mosquitoes went extinct?

This produces nutrients that are important for the plants. Without mosquitoes, plant growth could be affected. Wiping out mosquitoes would also wipe out a group of pollinators. Only some species feed on the blood of humans and animals, and even in those species, the females are the only ones sucking blood.

Where are GMO mosquitoes released?

In its letter approving Oxitec's plan, the EPA approved the release of up to 2.4 million of the genetically modified adult male mosquitoes and eggs in Monroe County, Florida; and Stanislaus, Fresno, Tulare, and San Bernardino counties in California.

How much does it cost to genetically modify a mosquito?

cost the city roughly $1.1 million over 2 years—some $10 per person in the treated area— about half of which will come out of the existing mosquito control budget.

How do RIDL mosquitoes help humans?

RIDL as used in the SIT strategy is a sophisticated new technology that can eliminate local populations of vector mosquitoes much more efficiently than insecticides and without side effects or pollution. In doing so, it uses male mosquitoes that do not take blood meals and do not transmit the dengue virus.