News Animals

The U.S.’s first open-air genetically modified mosquitoes have taken flight

After long debate, Oxitec pits a GM mosquito against a Florida invasive species spreading Zika and dengue

Aerial photo of Florida Keys

In the Florida Keys (pictured), the first GM mosquitoes set free to fly in the United States have now grown up enough to mate — the starting point for a landmark test of a genetic approach to the pests’ control.

Oxitec

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

The first genetically modified mosquitoes that will be allowed to fly free outdoors in the United States have started reaching the age for mating in the Florida Keys.