Engineered Mosquitoes Set for Release
March 15, 2022
The US Environmental Protection Agency has approved the release of millions of genetically engineered mosquitoes in several counties in Florida and California, part of expanded trials aimed at combatting the transmission of diseases such as Zika and dengue fever. In Issues, Robert M. Friedman, John M. Marshall, and Omar S. Akbari offer a close look at this approach and others, especially so-called gene drive technologies, for biological pest management. As the science advances, the authors write, policymakers and regulators need to develop responses that reflect the latest developments and the diversity of approaches and applications.