FDA: GMO mosquito has no negative impacts, opening door to November Key West vote on Zika eradication trial

On 5 August, the US Food and Drug Administration cleared the way for a planned trial in a small part of Key West, Florida, ruling that it would not have any significant impacts. Residents of Key West will now vote in a referendum in November to determine whether the trial goes ahead. The referendum is non-binding, but local officials have said they will abide by the result.

A postal survey carried out last year suggests around 60 percent of residents in the trial area are opposed to it. Only a fifth of households completed the survey, however, so its findings may not be representative.

Even if they are, the news that Zika has reached the US and is now spreading in the Miami area – 15 cases have been confirmed so far – may change minds.

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Trials in the Caribbean and Brazil suggest the technique – a high-tech form of the long-used sterile male method – can not only reduce mosquito populations, but also reduce the incidence of diseases such as dengue.

The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: GM mosquito trial in Florida given the go-ahead by regulator