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Lisbon releases 30,000 sterile mosquitoes to combat tiger mosquito population
Health authorities in Lisbon have released 30,000 sterile male mosquitoes in the Alvalade district as part of an experimental project to control the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) population. This latest release brings the total number of mosquitoes released during the project to approximately 90,000.
The technique involves releasing sterile males that compete with wild males for mates. When females mate with these sterile males, they do not produce offspring, which aims to gradually reduce the overall population. Because only female mosquitoes bite to obtain blood for egg development, the released males pose no risk of biting humans.
Researchers are currently in the first phase of the project, focusing on observing the behavior, survival, and dispersal range of the released insects. If results are favorable, a second phase involving comparative studies between intervention zones and control zones is planned for May 2027. The project is supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency and involves various local health and municipal entities. Authorities emphasize that this biological method should be used alongside traditional measures, such as eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Entities
Aedes albopictus · Afonso Moreira · Alvalade · International Atomic Energy Agency · Lisbon · Santa Maria Local Health Unit
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] 30,000 sterile male Aedes albopictus mosquitoes will be released in the Alvalade parish of Lisbon. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mating between sterile males and wild females results in no offspring. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sterilization technique used on the mosquitoes is proven and safe. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] A total of 60,000 mosquitoes have been released as part of this experimental project to date. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] The project aims to reduce the Asian tiger mosquito population to mitigate public health risks. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] The current phase focuses on observing the dispersal and survival of the released mosquitoes. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt
- [● 3 SOURCES] A comparative study is planned for May if the initial results are positive. de.euronews.com · www.euronews.com · sapo.pt