United States releases 600,000 Wolbachia‑infected mosquitoes to curb Asian tiger mosquito

The United States is conducting a biological control program that will release 600,000 male mosquitoes infected with the natural bacterium Wolbachia. The releases, carried out by Maryland‑based Bee Safe Mosquito Control, are scheduled through September and target the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, a vector for diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and certain encephalitides.

When Wolbachia‑infected males mate with wild females, the resulting eggs are not viable, gradually reducing the mosquito population without the need for broad insecticide applications. Similar Wolbachia‑based programs have previously been implemented in countries such as Australia, offering a more environmentally focused alternative to chemical spraying.