Examining the Claim: Bill Gates and Oxitec's Plan to Release GM Mosquitoes in the US

Background

Bill Gates has long been involved in philanthropic efforts to combat global health issues, including mosquito-borne diseases. Oxitec, a biotech company funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has developed genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes to reduce the population of disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The Claim

The claim suggests that Oxitec, with Bill Gates' backing, is planning to release these GM mosquitoes into U.S. neighborhoods to combat diseases like Zika and Dengue. The mosquitoes, marketed as 'Friendly,' carry a self-limiting gene that prevents their offspring from surviving to adulthood, thereby reducing the pest insect population.

Evidence and Context

Oxitec has applied to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval to sell these GM mosquitoes directly to the public. If approved, these mosquitoes could be available at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Customers would purchase a box of these engineered Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, add water, and watch as the mosquitoes hatch and take flight.

Oxitec claims that these engineered insects will help combat mosquito-borne diseases. However, the idea of unleashing GM mosquitoes into neighborhoods has sparked controversy and questions about safety, ethics, and long-term effects.

Criticism and Concerns

Critics, including Diana Reeves, the founder of GMO Free USA, have expressed shock and concern at the plan. Reeves argues that the EPA should conduct thorough studies to assess the potential impacts on human health, endangered species, and the environment before considering commercialization. She also highlights the lack of informed consent, meaning anyone bitten by a GM mosquito would be unaware of any associated risks.

GMO Free USA urges citizens to tell the EPA to deny Oxitec’s application, citing the need for independent peer-reviewed studies on the GM mosquitoes’ impact on human health.

Previous Controversies

Oxitec has a history of pushing its products despite informed consent issues and a lack of scientific evidence showing their safety. In 2020, the EPA granted Oxitec an experimental use permit to release 750 million GM mosquitoes in the Florida Keys, despite concern and outrage from Florida residents and environmentalists. Oxitec received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the trial.

Since then, Oxitec has released more GM mosquitoes in Monroe County, Florida, as an experimental means of mitigating the spread of Zika and Dengue. However, critics argue that Oxitec has failed to provide proof of the project’s success.

Scientific Studies and Evidence

A study published in the Nature Scientific Reports  raised concerns about the potential for hybrid vigor in the offspring of GM mosquitoes, which could lead to more robust and resilient mosquito populations. Another study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  highlighted the need for long-term monitoring and assessment of the ecological impacts of GM mosquito releases.

Conclusion

While the claim that Bill Gates, through Oxitec, is planning to release GM mosquitoes in the US is true, the safety and efficacy of these mosquitoes are still debated. Independent studies are needed to assess their impact on human health and the environment. The EPA should conduct thorough studies and consider public concerns before approving the commercialization of these GM mosquitoes.