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FLORIDA - A mosquito control program backed by Google is seeking federal approval to release millions of specially treated insects in Florida as part of an effort to reduce populations of disease carrying mosquitoes.
The proposal was submitted through Google's Debug Project, which focuses on developing methods to control mosquito populations without relying solely on chemical pesticides.
According to documents under review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the project is requesting permission to release up to 32 million male mosquitoes across portions of Florida and California over a two year period.
Officials involved in the project say the mosquitoes are not genetically modified and do not bite humans.
Instead, the male mosquitoes are infected with a naturally occurring bacterium known as Wolbachia.
When released into the wild, the males mate with female mosquitoes that carry diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
The resulting eggs do not successfully hatch, which can reduce mosquito populations over time.
Under the proposal, approximately 16 million mosquitoes could be released each year if federal regulators grant approval.
The EPA is currently reviewing the request and accepting public feedback before making a final decision.
The Debug Project has conducted similar mosquito control efforts in previous years, including pilot programs in California and other locations.
According to project data, earlier releases resulted in significant declines in targeted mosquito populations.
Supporters of the program argue that biological control methods may help reduce disease transmission while limiting pesticide use.
Federal regulators continue evaluating potential environmental impacts and effectiveness before determining whether the expanded release can move forward.