Public comment on GMO, Zika-fighting mosquito release
(FOX 13) - In the fight against Zika Florida could soon be the test field for newest weapon against the virus.
Researchers want to release genetically modified mosquito in the southern part of Florida in order to examine their performance. But that has some people uneasy.
British lab Oxitec says its genetically engineered males produce offspring that die before they can bite you. And it claims to reduce the disease-spreading Aedis Aegypti mosquito by up to 90 percent.
Public health experts and both Florida senators support the plan.
The FDA, CDC and EPA all have already given preliminary approval for this plan and Oxitec says "no adverse effects" in three countries so far. The food and drug administration is evaluating the potential impacts on the environment,
Public comment period ends Friday, May 13 at midnight, so if you'd like to weigh in, visit: regulations.gov