Authorities in Florida, US have approved plans for genetically modified mosquitoes to be released across the Florida Keys from next year.

British-based firm Oxitec has designed the project to test whether the altered mosquitoes are a viable alternative to pesticides to control and prevent the spread of diseases.

The male mosquito, called OX5034, is designed to produce female offspring which die when reaching the larval stage.

Male mosquitoes do not need to bite for blood as they feed on nectar.