Genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in Florida Keys by spring

In fight against Zika, British company Oxitec must seek approval from FDA for insects' release into the wild following Monroe County referendum

Genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys as early as this spring, an official said, after voters in Monroe County, Florida, approved the experiment in a referendum on election day.

The British company Oxitec will still need to apply to the US Food and Drug Administration for approval, as the original location for the trial - Key Haven - voted against the trial. The experiment could be the first time a genetically modified animal is released into the wild in the United States.