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Statements posted on this blog represent the views of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Center for Law Science & Innovation (which does not take positions on policy issues) or of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law or Arizona State University.

September 2016 Starbucks Challenge

STARBUCKS CHALLENGE - YouTube

Each month during the semester we feature a technology with potential legal, social and/or ethical  implications and ask:

What’s YOUR answer?

One $25 Starbucks gift card card awarded per challenge based on what we feel is the most judicious response to the highlighted technology, below. 

Deadline to be eligible for this month’s Starbucks gift card is October 1, 2016.

You have all likely heard of the Zika virus and its detrimental health consequences, not only to fetuses but also to adults.  On August 5, 2016, the FDA released the following:

FDA Releases Final Environmental Assessment for Genetically Engineered Mosquito – FDA has completed the environmental review for a proposed field trial to determine whether the release of Oxitec Ltd.’s genetically engineered (GE) mosquitoes (OX513A) will suppress the local Aedes aegypti mosquito population in the release area at Key Haven, Florida. After considering thousands of public comments, FDA has published a final environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) that agrees with the EA’s conclusion that the proposed field trial will not have significant impacts on the environment [emphasis added].”

The Oxitec genetically engineered mosquito is engineered to prevent the maturation of mosquito offspring.  Offspring die before reaching adulthood, diminishing the particular Aedes aegypti Zika-carrying mosquito population.

There has been some controversy with regard to field trials and release of the Oxitec mosquitoes into the environment.  And stories written.  Also, some of the more traditional ways of fighting Zika, with pesticides, have backfired.  Assume you are living in Florida and a field trial is set to take place per the FDA green light and approval by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District.  Briefly, explain your position for or against release of the Oxitec mosquitoes and where liability should reside if something goes wrong upon release.