Australia is stepping up its fight against deadly mosquito-borne diseases with the launch of a groundbreaking venture. On Tuesday, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, announced a collaboration with UK biotechnology company Oxitec to form Oxitec Australia.
The joint venture aims to curb the spread of life-threatening illnesses such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and yellow fever by targeting two of the most dangerous mosquito species in the Pacific: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
Oxitec Australia plans to release genetically engineered male mosquitoes carrying a self-limiting gene. When these modified males mate with wild female mosquitoes, the gene is passed on, causing the female offspring to die before reaching adulthood. This innovative approach reduces the population of pest females responsible for transmitting diseases.
“This collaboration represents a significant advancement in our efforts to protect communities from mosquito-borne diseases,” said a spokesperson from CSIRO. “By combining our expertise with Oxitec’s proven technology, we hope to make a substantial impact on public health.”
Oxitec has previously seen success with similar programs in other parts of the world, demonstrating the effectiveness of genetically engineered mosquitoes in reducing disease-carrying populations without harming the environment.
The initiative not only highlights Australia’s commitment to innovative solutions in public health but also underscores the importance of international partnerships in tackling global challenges.
Field trials are expected to commence soon, pending regulatory approvals. The collaboration is a significant step toward safeguarding the health of millions of people across the Pacific region.
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New Australian venture to target deadly disease-spreading mosquitoes
cgtn.com
