Don’t Release Genetically Modified Mosquitoes in Florida

Target: Florida Keys Mosquito Control District

Goal: Prevent Florida from attempting to solve Dengue Fever by releasing genetically modified mosquitoes.

Florida has experienced several cases of Dengue Fever since 2009—a disease transmitted from mosquito to human, and one that is resurfacing for the first time since 1945. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District plans to release genetically modified mosquitoes as early as this month in hopes of decreasing the mosquito population, and, in turn, decreasing the virus. Releasing these mutant mosquitoes could cause unforeseen problems for Floridians, as their influence on other plants and animals is unpredictable and potentially harmful.

The genetically engineered mosquitoes will pass a lethal gene to their offspring, killing any newborn mosquitoes before they reach adulthood. The Florida Keys Mosquito Control District plans to accomplish this through Oxitec Insect Technology, a UK based company that will sell Florida the genetically engineered insects. Many are concerned that if the mosquito population is tampered with, another unwelcome species will fill in the ecological void. For example, the aggressive Tiger Mosquito may see a population uprise if mutant mosquitoes are released. Additionally, animals that feed off of mosquitoes like endangered species of Florida bats, may suffer consequences from the insect’s population decline.

The influence that genetically modified insects could have on other organisms is ultimately unknown. While the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District can take precautions, they cannot predict the indirect effects of mutant insects on Florida ecosystems. Please tell the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District not to turn to genetically modified animals as a solution to a handful of Dengue Fever cases.

PETITION LETTER

Dear Florida Keys Mosquito Control District,

Do not release genetically modified mosquitoes into Florida because it is much too risky of a solution for Dengue Fever, a virus that at this point certainly does not call for such drastic measures.

Experts argue that although research should continue, it is impossible to tell what kind of impact genetically engineered insects could have on Florida’s ecosystem. Even if this tactic works—and there’s no guarantee that it will—it is not worth the risk. There is no plan in place to rectify any unpredicted environmental effects. Without a real plan for damage control, Florida should withdraw its irreversible move to alter insect populations.

Do not release genetically engineered mosquitoes into Florida, as this may have unwanted outcomes for mosquito populations, as well as effect animals that depend on mosquitoes for food. Additionally, the unknown consequences are the truly scary ones. Please spend more time researching the possible problems related to this plan, and how Florida should solve these problems if they arise before taking any permanent action.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]