Release of genetically modified mosquitoes postponed

Malaria, a leading cause of death worldwide will soon have a weapon to fight. But it's release has been delayed. The genetically modified mosquitoes technique has been postponed in Florida's Key West for the next several months due to confusion over the government permits. According to the latest world health organization figures, the mosquito-borne illness was responsible for 655,000 deaths in 2010. Many researchers have genetically engineered mosquitoes to boost their immune system, thereby blocking transmission of the disease to humans.

It is quite suspicious about the fact that dengue fever, which has been non-existent in the North America for decades, hasrecently surfaced in Florida. Initially, the fever was found in 2009, but by 2010 the number of cases had vastly increased.

The pilot program outlined by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District would release a test batch of about 5,000 to 10,000 mosquitoes - the Aedes aegypti species that carries dengue fever - that have been specifically bred to produce offspring that die young. The release planned for January, will now probably occur in "late spring," said district Executive Director Michael Doyle.
 
Genetically modified mosquitoes were engineered with an extra gene, or inserted bacterium, or have had a gene altered so that either their offspring are sterile and unable to spread dengue, or simply die. Male mosquitoes do not bite.Only female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue fever. Theoretically, the released male bugs with faulty breeding genes will compete with natural mosquitoes, helping to reduce the overall production of future generations.

However, the more skeptical view arises regarding the first ever release of genetically engineered mosquitoes in US by the International Environment group, Friends of Earth. "But this is not the cause of delay", said Doyle.

The delay mostly can be blamed  on uncertainty and the regulatory issues over which state and federal agencies should review the project and decide the type of permit under which this new technique would be approved. Permit approval appeared imminent several months ago, he added.
 
Oxitec, the British Biotechnology company working with Mosquito Control, says it has released genetically altered mosquitoes in the Cayman Islands, Malaysia and Brazil with positive results on reducing insect population. But here, the research is arousing concern about possible unintended effects on public health and the environment, because once genetically modified insects are released, they cannot be recalled. The release will create"health, environmental and ethical challenges" and that must be carefully taken into consideration.

But the main question arises, "Who will regulate their release and who will be legally and financially liable if something goes wrong?" "Will Oxitec be required to obtain the free and informed consent of Key West residents?" asked by group's biotechnology specialist, Eric Hoffman.  Moreover, Friends of the Earth disputes the claim that releasing more mosquitoes can reduce the occurrence of disease, and questions how Oxitec can assure no female mosquitoes will be released accidentally.

The goal is to fight against the dengue carrying mosquito and there is a need of new control methods and promising techniques to be undertaken.