State of Florida Approves Oxitec Mosquito Technology for Continuation of Pilot Project in the Keys
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: 04 May 2022
State of Florida Approves Oxitec Mosquito Technology for Continuation of Pilot Project in the Keys
● Following approval in March 2022 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, Oxitec has received approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to continue to pilot its mosquito technology in the Florida Keys.
● This will be a continuation of Oxitec’s partnership with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District (FKMCD) following a successful pilot project in the Keys in 2021 and the final approval necessary before proceeding in 2022.
Marathon, FL & Oxford, UK: Oxitec has received approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to continue the pilot project for its Aedes aegypti mosquito technology in the Florida Keys. The work will continue to be carried out in partnership with the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District.
In March of this year the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted an extension of the Experimental Use Permit (EUP) for the continuation of our pilot project. Following this national-level approval, FDACS reviewed and approved Oxitec’s state-level permit applications.
The 2022 project is expected to launch the week of May 9th with the placement of Oxitec’s just-add-water mosquito boxes on private property of volunteer residents in three release areas, all on Vaca Key. Untreated comparison sites will be monitored with mosquito traps on Key Colony Beach and Vaca Key. Demand to participate has been high, with the project now oversubscribed and waitlists established.
Oxitec’s safe, sustainable and targeted biological pest control technology is harmless to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies and is proven to control the disease-transmitting Aedes aegypti mosquito, which has invaded communities in Florida.
FKMCD and Oxitec hosted their 16th Public Educational Webinar on Tuesday, April 5th entitled “Takeaways from 2021, Planning for 2022”. The webinar is available to watch on keysmosquitoproject.com/resources.
Grey Frandsen, CEO of Oxitec, said, “We’re immensely grateful to the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and to the communities who have welcomed us in the Keys. We look forward to continuing this important work with our world-class partners in Florida to deliver accessible, effective, and environmentally friendly solutions to address the growing threat of invasive, disease-carrying mosquitoes.”
Andrea Leal, Executive Director of the FKMCD, commented “After a successful project in 2021, we are thrilled to be getting back to work with our close partners at Oxitec during 2022. We made significant progress during the pilot project last year and we look forward to continuing this important work during this year’s mosquito season.”
**ENDS**
FKMCD – Oxitec Mosquito Project Information:
florida@oxitec.com; questions@keysmosquito.org
+1-888-308-1859
Press Inquiries:
Florida Keys Mosquito Control District
Chad Huff, Public Education & Information Officer
O: 305-292-7190
C: 305-481-2207
Oxitec
+1-202-792-3080
Additional resources:
● The U.S. EPA’s approval of and complete risk assessment of the pilot project;
● The U.S. EPA’s responses to public comments;
● 100+ independent peer-reviewed scientific publications on Oxitec technology;
● Oxitec’s announcement of pilot results in Brazil;
● The FKMCD – Oxitec Mosquito Project website.
About Oxitec
Oxitec is the leading developer of biological solutions to control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. Founded in 2002 at the University of Oxford, Oxitec is led by a passionate team comprised of 15 nationalities and is supported by world-class public, private and non-profit partners. Learn more at oxitec.com.