First GMO mosquitoes to be released in the Florida Keys

This spring, the biotechnology company Oxitec plans to release genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys. At Oxitec's laboratory in the U.K., the company genetically engineers the mosquitoes, giving the insects the "self-limiting" gene that makes the females dependent on the antibiotic tetracycline. Kevin Gorman, the company's chief development officer, says the local female mosquito population will be increasingly reduced — which will also reduce the number of wild male mosquitoes in the treatment areas. Phil Goodman, chairman of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, an independently-elected commission carrying out mosquito control within Monroe County, says that many of those who discredit Oxitec's evidence do not understand the technology. "If the population in Florida Keys becomes so sensitized to this issue — that they can no longer cooperate with each other — that's good for the mosquitoes, not good for the people," he adds.