The release of some 8 million genetically modified mosquitoes in West Bay [Cayman Islands] has had a significant impact in reducing populations of the disease-spreading insects in the targeted area, researchers say.
Preliminary data from the Mosquito Research and Control Unit shows that the genetically modified males are successfully mating with females in the wild.
The MRCU statistics also show a significant reduction in Aedes aegypti eggs found in traps in the targeted zone compared with a non-treatment area.
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Bill Petrie, director of the MRCU, said, “These results certainly give us confidence that this can be successful island wide.”
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In the most recent data, collected over the past two months, the fluorescent marker showed up in 94 percent of larvae collected in the targeted zone, demonstrating they had out-competed males in the wild for mates.
“What this shows us is that the first part of the technique is working. The GM mosquitoes are mating with the wild females with a high degree of success,” [Petrie] said.
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