However, this project has sparked a lot of controversy among Florida’s residents
“With all the urgent crises facing our nation and the State of Florida — the Covid-19 pandemic, racial injustice, climate change — the administration has used tax dollars and government resources for a Jurassic Park experiment,” stated Jaydee Hanson, policy director for the International Center for Technology Assessment and Center for Food Safety, in an interview.
“Now the Monroe County Mosquito Control District has given the final permission needed. What could possibly go wrong? We don’t know, because EPA unlawfully refused to seriously analyze environmental risks, now without further review of the risks, the experiment can proceed,” she added.
“The release of genetically engineered mosquitoes will needlessly put Floridians, the environment, and endangered species at risk in the midst of a pandemic,” stated Dana Perls, the food and technology Program Manager at Friends of the Earth.
“This approval is about maximizing Oxitec’s profits, not about the pressing need to address mosquito-borne diseases,” she added.
Genetically modified insects and animals in general have raised many ethical concerns, however, only time will tell how the mosquitoes will behave in Florida and whether the trial will be as successful as the researchers envisage.
It took many years for Oxitec to receive the green light for their trial in the Florida Keys, and they authorized 25 studies to get the approval from the CDC, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and seven state and local agencies in Florida. The reason Oxitec will target the Florida Keys is because A. aegypti mosquitoes are very dangerous in that area, and they’re also very resistant to insecticides, according to a study.
“The science is there. This is something Monroe County needs,” Jill Cranny-Gage, a supporter of the program, said at the Mosquito Control District’s meeting, according to the AP. “We’re trying everything in our power, and we’re running out of options.”
As recent data shows, Oxitec has also received the green light to release the mosquitoes in Texas, according to BBS News, but it might take years until they will be approved by state and local agencies.
“Local health officials confirm that there is no agreement in place or plans to move forward with the project at this time,” Sam Bissett, a communication specialist with Harris County Public Health told CNN. “Our focus is on our efforts with the Covid-19 pandemic.”
