Tag: Mosquito Research & Control Unit

75,000 GM mosquitoes destroyed

75,000 GM mosquitoes destroyed

| 15/07/2016 | 143 Comments

(CNS): A batch of genetically engineered mosquitoes reared specifically for release yesterday have been destroyed. A last minute application to the court by a group of local activists managed to put a temporary stop on the planned release of the GM Aedes aegypti bio-engineered by the UK-based company, Oxitec, in partnership with the Mosquito Research and […]

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Activists delay planned release of GM mosquitoes

Activists delay planned release of GM mosquitoes

| 14/07/2016 | 84 Comments

(CNS): A group of local activists in West Bay who are opposed to the planned release of genetically modified mosquitoes in the district have managed to delay the start of the project which was due to get underway Thursday. The group aimed to highlight concerns about the failure to properly consult the public and the […]

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GM mosquito release to begin next week

GM mosquito release to begin next week

| 07/07/2016 | 56 Comments

(CNS): Officials from the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) have confirmed that the release of genetically modified mosquitoes will begin in West Bay next Thursday. The controversial project to try to eradicate the Aedes aegypti mosquito using sterile males bio-engineered by the UK-based firm, Oxitec, has met with some community opposition but the government […]

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Two cases of Zika confirmed in Cayman

Two cases of Zika confirmed in Cayman

| 05/07/2016 | 65 Comments

(CNS): Although Cayman managed to remain Zika free for a considerable time as the virus raged across the region, public health officials confirmed Tuesday the first two Cayman Islands cases of the virus, imported by returning residents who contracted the virus overseas. Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez said the patients are both […]

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Four suspect Zika cases sent for testing

Four suspect Zika cases sent for testing

| 23/06/2016 | 26 Comments

(CNS): Local public health officials have sent four blood samples from patients suspected of having the Zika virus to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for testing. Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, the acting medical director, said the samples were sent on Wednesday, 22 June, after three residents and one visitor presented with symptoms consistent […]

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Scientists hit back at anti-GM mosquito claims

Scientists hit back at anti-GM mosquito claims

| 15/06/2016 | 75 Comments

(CNS): As suspicions continue about the planned release of millions of genetically modified mosquitoes in a pilot project aimed at eradicating the invasive, disease-spreading Aedes aegypti, the MRCU and their partners in the project, the UK-based bio-technology firm Oxitec, have insisted the release is safe and that the recent adverts taken out by those opposing the project in the […]

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GM insect release will go ahead, says premier

GM insect release will go ahead, says premier

| 14/06/2016 | 54 Comments

(CNS): The first planned release of millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes in West Bay by a UK bio-technology firm will not be stopped, Premier Alden McLaughlin has confirmed. In a letter responding to a request from the opposition leader to put the release on hold until “scientific questions” have been answered, McLaughlin has told McKeeva […]

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Petition launched to stop release of GM mosquitoes

Petition launched to stop release of GM mosquitoes

| 31/05/2016 | 98 Comments

(CNS): A group of concerned Caymanians has launched an online petition calling for the suspension of the planned release in West Bay of genetically modified mosquitoes. The group believes Caymanians are being used as “lab rats” in the pilot project by the UK-based bio-technology firm Oxitec. The Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) has partnered […]

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MRCU continues attack on swamp mosquitoes

MRCU continues attack on swamp mosquitoes

| 27/05/2016 | 18 Comments

(CNS): As the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) gears up to launch a pilot project in West Bay using genetically modified mosquitoes to try and eradicate the urban-loving, disease-carrying, invasive Aedes aegypti, the unit will be focusing on Cayman’s own swamp mosquitoes this week by more traditional methods. Officials said the seasonal aerial operations […]

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Oxitec to release 200,000 GM mosquitoes weekly

Oxitec to release 200,000 GM mosquitoes weekly

| 25/05/2016 | 15 Comments

(CNS): The bio-technology firm which is beginning a mosquito population reduction programme in West Bay next month has revealed that as many as 200,000 genetically engineered insects will be released each week over the life of the project. Over the next few months, as many as 4 million, mostly male, Oxitec GM Aedes aegypti mosquitoes […]

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NCC approves GM mosquito release

NCC approves GM mosquito release

| 19/05/2016 | 12 Comments

(CNS): The National Conservation Council has found that the proposed release of millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes in West Bay does not pose a threat to the bio-diversity of Cayman and has approved the application by the Mosquito Research and Control Unit to undertake a population control project with Oxitec. NCC Chair Christine Rose-Smyth said […]

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