Mosquito
Genetically modified mosquitos hold promise for reducing populations of the Aedes aegypti mosquitos that vector dengue, zika and other diseases. Scientists consider the risk of adverse consequences resulting from the release of GMO mosquitos to be relative low, a conclusion with a high degree of certainty. However, the public does not understand the risk involved and is uncertain that conclusions of scientists are correct.
A proposal to release GMO mosquitos in Florida’s Monroe County (which encompasses the Key Islands and part of the Everglades) is controversial. On election day, November 8, 2016 the proposal was put to a vote.
The results are in:
For Monroe County: 19,848 in favor (58%) : 14,163 (42%) opposed
For Key Haven, the site of the proposed release: 212 (35%) in favor : 418 (65%) opposed
The results are a clear demonstration of, “OK, but Not In My Back Yard.”
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