GM mosquito offspring begin to appear in field test
Genetically modified mosquito larvae
(CNS): The release of hundreds of thousands of genetically modified male mosquitoes is beginning to make its mark on the population of the Aedes aegypti species in the district of West Bay, officials managing the project said after the genetic markers began showing up in insect larvae. Dr Renaud Lacroix, the manager of the Oxitec project, said that around 400,000 bio-engineered bugs are now being released each week and those males are breeding with the existing female population. Since the release began six weeks ago, around 10% of the larvae examined by the researchers show the fluorescent genetic marker associated with the GM mosquito.
The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) is engaging in a full-scale war against the mosquito as a result of the emergence over the last few weeks of several locally transmitted cases of Zika. But the unit is coordinating its daytime insecticide spraying of the adult Aedes aegypti with the Oxitec release days.
This is to avoid killing the genetically altered bugs to give them a chance to compete with the natural males and breed with females. The female only reproduces once in a lifetime, so if a GM male gets to be her one and only, the larvae she produces will not reach adulthood, ensuring the gradual demise of the disease-spreading, invasive species.
Lacroix said that with the recording of the GM larvae and the increase in the release numbers, it is expected that the percentage of larvae born to GM fathers will increase more rapidly, and the scientists expect to see a dramatic fall in the numbers shortly afterwards.
The 300-acre release site in West Bay is next to a comparative site of the same size where no GM bugs have been released to help give the project a yardstick. But with mounting concerns regarding the spread of Zika virus by the mosquitoes, both areas are still being sprayed with insecticide and larvaesides to protect the resident population.
So far there have been no reported cases of Zika transmission in West Bay and the project cannot be transferred to the capital, experts have confirmed.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Lacroix explained that the Oxitec project is being tightly regulated and they only have authorisation from the National Conservation Council to release a certain amount of bugs in a very specified area over a given time period. Before they could begin a parallel project in the capital they would need to go through a long bureaucratic process, which could take many months.
Although Lacroix stated that there are plans for an island-wide rollout, in which George Town would be the next phase, that is at least nine months away. However, he said that taking the project to George Town would not have an immediate impact on the current issues because it is a long-term tool for the future eradication of the insect and not suited to immediate mitigation when there is a real and present disease threat.
While the GM solution is not the answer for an immediate reaction to the spread of Zika, which is happening now, the arrival of the virus in Cayman has “complicated things”, according to MRCU Director Dr Bill Petrie.
The MRCU may give consideration to a faster operation roll out of the island-wide GM project but that would depend on the findings over the coming weeks from the West Bay releases.
Category: Health, Medical Health
What is the update on Zika now? What is the forecast for Dec? One article stated mosquitoes are especially bad this year.
Can someone please confirm precisely what pesticides the MRCU is spraying? We have been sprayed by planes and fogged by trucks for years. I swear the mosquitoes actually get worse the night after I hear the plane buzz my roof. Perhaps we can use the publicity drummed up by the Oxitec controversy to take a serious look at our overall approach to the control of mosquitoes. I am not thrilled about the mutant bugs but, then again I am not a fan of getting poisoned either.
MRCU – Next release please give the press two pictures. One of a regular larvae and one of the glowing ones. Maybe even in the same sample. That will make a more informative illustration. – Thanks
What is wrong with importing frogs? Or spiders? Or any natural predators of mosquitoes.
Did you really just say spiders? You want to get your head checked, mate.
Aren’t bats natural predators…..shouldn’t we be looking at boosting their population?
In the US SC state has last many many milions of bees over this sparying,,,no bees no pollination, so we lose one third of our crops, sure it takes time to loose all the bees but the cheimcal companys sure are doing there part
would it be so hard to proofread?
That’s because they used highly toxic substance called Naled not the generic or usual spray used.
This whole GM Mosquito debacle will ultimately be proven to be the gift from hell that many of us thought it would be. But no, science is your God and men are the gods of science.
You foolish, foolish people.
Many of us are immune to your man-made Zika. We are not afraid.
Oh hi. Did you order the kool-ade?
Ten percent is low for the number of mosquitoes released. Maybe they should show them some insect porn just before they are released.
Useful article about what mosquito repellents may work best:
http://www.consumerreports.org/insect-repellents/mosquito-repellents-that-best-protect-against-zika/
I realise the dangers and the need to control this outbreak. But what are the consequences of applying all these insecticides and chemicals to our environment?
These compounds could ultimately result in more people and animals being stricken by diseases like cancer or auto-immune disorders.
Not much is being said about this elephant in the room.
Your just concerned now? The mrcu has been spraying over 30 years lol
Educate yourselves…
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/392482351.html
Wake Up!
Booyah!