19 May 2025
Invitation to comment on the commercial release
of a genetically modified mosquito strain to help prevent dengue outbreaks (DIR 207)
The Gene Technology Regulator is assessing an application from Oxitec Australia Pty Ltd (Oxitec) for the commercial release of the mosquitoes genetically modified (GM) to prevent the survival of female offspring and reduce the population of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Queensland.
The submission of this application with the OGTR is only the first step in the approval of this release. The GM mosquitoes also require approvals by Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Department of Climate Change, Energy and the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) before import and commercial use in Queensland.
The Regulator has prepared a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan (RARMP) for this application and welcomes written submissions relating to the protection of human health and safety and the environment as a result of the genetic modification prior to making a decision on whether to issue the licence.
The consultation RARMP and related information can be obtained via the consultation hub search for DIR 207, or from the contacts below. Submissions should reference DIR 207 and be submitted via the hub or email by 7 July 2025.
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator
MDP 54 GPO Box 9848 CANBERRA ACT 2601
Website: www.ogtr.gov.au
E-mail: ogtr@health.gov.au