234 - Collaborative efforts with Oxitec and Delta Mosquito and Vector Control District in the Central Valley of California

Abstract: The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti is an invasive species in California. Since 2013, Ae. aegypti has spread and become established in 26 counties and 300 cities and towns in California, posing unique challenges to mosquito control because its diel periodicity, proximity to people, climate change, and use of cryptic harborages and breeding sources. Delta Mosquito & Vector Control District (DMVCD) invited Oxitec to evaluate their self-limiting gene technology against Ae. aegypti within its District, pending state regulatory approval from California Department of Pesticide Regulation Office. This presentation will focus on the community and outreach efforts by DMVCD and Oxitec and the widespread, enthusiastic public support in the Central Valley for this cutting-edge innovative technology using self-limiting gene male mosquitoes from Oxitec.