U.S. closer to testing engineered mosquitoes that could fight Zika

By Julie Steenhuysen CHICAGO (Reuters) – U.S. health regulators have cleared the way for a trial of genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida that can reduce mosquito populations, potentially offering a new tool to fight the local spread of Zika and other viruses. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that a field trial testing Intrexon Corp's genetically engineered mosquitoes would not have a significant impact on the environment. The announcement came as Florida officials grapple with the first cases of local Zika transmission in the continental United States.

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U.S. closer to testing engineered mosquitoes that could fight Zika