Google bets on Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes to curb disease in CA and FL

Google has applied for an EPA experimental release permit to deploy up to 64 million Wolbachia-infected, non-biting male southern house mosquitoes in California and Florida over two years to suppress populations and reduce mosquito-borne diseases. Scientists say Wolbachia-based strategies can be targeted and environmentally safer than broad insecticides, but the final decision depends on public comment and ongoing ecological monitoring; the project would release up to 32 million mosquitoes in each state.