ForceChange Campaigns to Reject the Release of Genetically Modified Mosquitos Valerie Klim - ForceChange.com
go to original April 28, 2013

Scientists in Brazil last summer started releasing genetically modified mosquitoes into the wild. It is part of an innovative tactic to combat dengue fever, which infects an estimated 100 million people a year. CCTV's Stephen Gibbs reports from North Eastern Brazil. (CCTVAmerica1)

The Food and Drug Administration is being pressured to allow a British biotech company to release 10,000 genetically modified mosquitoes into the Florida Keys. The mosquitoes contain a gene that forces their offspring to self-destruct. The goal is to eliminate diseases carried by mosquitoes, such as Dengue Fever.

The genetically modified mosquitoes are intended to all be males. These males will mate with existing females, and the hatched larvae will – in theory – not survive long enough to bite a human.  The system is not foolproof though, about one female in 1,500 is accidentally released. This is alarming because it is female mosquitoes that bite. There has not been enough research conducted to learn what the consequences of being bit by a genetically modified female mosquito might be.

History shows that nearly all experiments involving genetically modified crops have unintentionally led to a range of different consequences. These consequences can wipe out entire species, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem which eventually affects all humans.

The unknown consequences that come with being bit by a genetically modified mosquito are a complete mystery. One concern is that the mosquito can transmit the engineered protein into a human’s bloodstream via a mosquitos’ salivary gland. There has been no research conducted to see the consequences that could be aligned with such a transaction.

Further research must be conducted before haphazardly releasing thousands of mutant mosquitoes. A similar experiment in the Cayman islands reduced the mosquito population by as much as 80%. It is ignorant only to focus on the benefits and not research the possible negative side-effects. Before any further action is taken in the planned release of these modified mosquitoes, more research needs to be conducted in order to answer some critical questions.

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