A proposal backed by Google’s parent company, Alphabet Inc., to release up to 64 million bacteria-carrying mosquitoes across California and Florida has sparked widespread criticism, with opponents describing it as a large-scale experiment on the environment.
The plan, put forward through Alphabet-owned life sciences firm Verily, would see 32 million male mosquitoes released annually over two years to suppress populations of the disease-spreading Aedes aegypti mosquito.
The insects carry Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium that prevents viable offspring when infected males mate with wild females.
Critics, including Republican Congressman Tim Burchett, have questioned why a technology company is involved in mosquito control and warned of unintended ecological consequences.
Social media users have also raised concerns about environmental risks, public consent and corporate involvement, while supporters argue the technique has been used for years and offers a “science-based” way to reduce the spread of diseases such as dengue, Zika and yellow fever.
Image credit: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (US)
