Australian researchers are developing a mind blowing plan to bring the spread of invasive disease carrying mosquitoes to a halt in Queensland.
Researchers from the government funded CSIRO have worked with UK company Oxitec Ltd to develop a genetically modified species of mosquito that will kill their invasive counterparts by mating with them.
The genetically modified male insects are altered to produce venom proteins from spiders and sea anemones in their semen.
These proteins are then injected into females during mating, leading to a decrease in their lifespan.
The mosquitoes will kill their disease carrying counterparts by having sex with them. Picture: Supplied.
Crucially, male mosquitoes do not bite humans, meaning Queenslanders will not have worry about having venomous proteins injected into their bloodstream.
This new approach to pest control comes at a time when invasive species of disease-carrying mosquitoes are on the rise across tropical regions of Queensland, a problem set to get worse as a consequence of climate change.
While researchers are keen to launch the new species, final approval lies with the federal government’s genetic watchdog, the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.
Speaking to ABC radio, CSIRO biosecurity director Professor Brett Sutton said the regulator is “a bit like the TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration] for our medicines, but it’s looking at genetically modified products, and it needs to go through the same type of rigorous process.”
Reiterating that the venom will only affect the bloodthirsty, disease carrying sub species of mosquitoes, Sutton added that, “unlike pesticides, it’s not going to affect butterflies and bees and non-target species, and it doesn’t have all of those issues of pesticide contamination of the environment.”
The ally species will also be altered with a “self limiting” gene that ensures they only reproduce male, non-blood feasting offspring.
Other remarkable features of the new species include a “fluorescent gene” that will make them highly visible.
It’s hoped their eggs will be massed produced in factories and deployed in cartons across key regions, with a “just add water” process acting as a hatch trigger.
Egg cartons will be strategically deployed in regions where diseased mosquito numbers are on the rise. Dengue fever is a serious issue, particuarly in remote and tropical areas around the Torres Strait. Picture: CSIRO.
According to one Macquarie University study in the Journal of Nature Communications, this ‘toxic male’ technique could reduce rates of blood feeding by 40 per cent to 60 per cent.
It’s not clear when the species might be released, especially with approval still pending, although a statement from the CSIRO confirmed: “The new venture is already working with local communities in the Torres Strait affected by this mosquito and dengue outbreaks, with the aim of deploying this technology in impacted regions once completed.”
“This technology platform could also be used to develop solutions for a wide spectrum of pests that threaten livestock and crops and our food systems.”