WASHINGTON, Aug. 5. / Corr. Tass Shitov /. US federal authorities have agreed on field trials of genetically modified mosquitoes to combat the spread of the virus Zika. As announced on quality control management Food and Drug Administration of the US Ministry of Health, its experts have come to the conclusion that the conduct of such trials in the area of the Florida Keys (Florida) “will have no significant impact on the environment”.
This is a genetically modified species of insects, the official name of which – the mosquitoes (they Kusaka) zheltolihoradochnye (Aedes aegypti). Create a modification of the British biotechnology company Oxitec argues that its method leads to an “effective self-restraint” populations of these vectors of diseases.
According to the explanatory notes of the company, the offspring of genetically modified mosquitoes die before reaching sexual maturity. For the appearance of the offspring of males, which do not bite, and the disease has not spread, let out in the habitat of the species of mosquitoes to mate with conventional wild females.
As a result, according to experts, the population Kusaka is reduced over time, more than 90%. This is confirmed by the experiments that have been conducted in Brazil, Panama and the Cayman Islands.
For the tests in the United States, according to local press comments, you must still consent of the local authorities in the area of the Florida Keys. And they are going to carry out a preliminary survey of the local population. Thus, the final decision is not expected before the autumn.
The virus Zika, capable of causing birth defects in children of African descent, but now actively spreading in other parts of the world, including Central and South America.
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