Brazil’s National Technical Commission for Biosecurity (CTNBio) approved the commercial release of the genetically modified (GM) mosquito, OX513A, “which can be used to control the dengue mosquito [Aedes aegypti]. CTNBio is “the collegiate body responsible for approval and regulation of transgenic organisms in Brazil.” OX513A, developed by Oxitec, is described as “the first GM insect to be considered safe for commercial use in Brazil and the latest of a long series of biotechnology approvals by CTNBio.” The Oxitec mosquito is a strain of the wild species that contains two additional genes. The Oxitec males (which cannot bite) are released to seek out and mate with the wild females. Their offspring inherit the additional genes and die before becoming functional adults. They also inherit a marker that is visible under a special light, making monitoring in the field simple and helping ensure that dengue mosquito control programmes succeed.”
Full media release: CAMPINAS, Brazil, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-tech-solution-for-controlling-the-dengue-mosquito-is-approved-by-ctnbio-254765081.html