Genetically modified mosquitoes are a failure
Bottom Line: Going back to the Zika scare of two years ago we’d begun testing genetically modified mosquitoes in the Florida Keys. The testing, which was isolated, theorized that by modifying mosquitoes we could breed out females, which are the bloodsuckers, and eventually kill off large populations of mosquitoes altogether without mates for the males. At the time I was highly skeptical of the idea – as much as I’d love the result- speaking as a personal mosquito magnet with no fewer than six bites on me right now as I’m working on this story. My concern though was with the notion that we’d get it right.
Us human types don’t have a good history with manipulating the environment successfully. In fact, there's not a single example of environmental manipulation that I’m aware of that seems to have worked out better than nature itself – and we’re a case study for it in Florida. From Lake O’, to our canals, the Everglades, inlets, you name it we’ve made it worse while attempting to make something better. I had a hunch this wouldn’t be any better. And it appears that it isn’t.
The initial tests for genetically modified mosquitoes are in. We’re now getting reports in from Brazil that years into the tests not only are mosquito populations larger than ever, the mosquitoes appear to be more resilient than ever! Apparently, the attempt to wipe them out allowed the species to develop certain survival abilities that aided in immunity from insecticides and to seek stronger mates creating an even healthier, stronger breed of mosquitoes! Isn’t that special. Now, aside from this revelation why is it relevant?
Here’s a headline from the Miami Herald from last Friday:
- It could be mosquito vs. mosquito in the Keys to combat dengue and Zika
Ahh yes, were considering more extensive options in Monroe County with genetically modified mosquitoes right now. What could go wrong?