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Removing mosquito populations by releasing incompatible males: a species specific biocontrol for urban arbovirus vectors

  • Funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
  • Total publications:0 publications

Grant number: GA207616

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Key facts

  • Disease

    Zika virus disease, Dengue

  • Start & end year

    2022
    2025

  • Known Financial Commitments (USD)

    $755,553.17

  • Funder

    National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

  • Research Location

    Australia

  • Lead Research Institution

    The University of Queensland

  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A

  • Research Category

    Animal and environmental research and research on diseases vectors

  • Research Subcategory

    Vector control strategies

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Non-Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    N/A

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Not Applicable

  • Vulnerable Population

    Not applicable

  • Occupations of Interest

    Not applicable

Abstract

Two mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, drive the global expansion of arboviruses such as dengue and Zika; both threaten Australia. With no effective vaccines and extensive insecticide resistance, new mosquito control tools are vital. By releasing reproductively incompatible males (males don’t bite), we have successfully reduced aegypti populations in some Queensland towns by over 80% . We will now develop this technology into an efficient deployable product for Australia and beyond.