Mutant Mosquitoes, Designed to Combat Dengue and Zika, Were Released in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Genetically manipulated mosquitoes were released in Brazil. They carry a gene that is fatal to them, according to the journal “Scientific Reports”.

The gene was intended to limit the insects’ reproduction. The offspring of genetically engineered insects should not be viable. The insects carry diseases such as yellow fever or the Zika virus.

The genetic engineering company Oxitec from Great Britain released 450,000 insects per week over a period of two years. While it has been established that the insect population is declining, the long-term impact can not be estimated.

Insects may become more resilient and resistant to insecticides in the future.

Source: NAU