A method has been established to generate Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti strain VCRC B-17), a microbe that kills mosquito and black fly larvae without affecting other animals, at the Puducherry research facility of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The Bti bacteria has been used for decades to reduce mosquitoes and is thought to be safe for usage in the environment and on other animals.

The only other insects, aquatic life, or mammals are not harmed by it, according to Dr. Ashwani Kumar, director of the ICMR's Vector Control Research Center. In terms of effectiveness, VCRC's Bti technology is comparable to the WHO standard strain of bacteria. The Central Insecticide Board of India has recognised our Bti B-17 strain as the Indian Standard strain after extensive testing. 21 businesses have so far received licences for this technology.

Bti's commercial production is a boost for India's fight against vector-borne illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, zika, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria.

The Bti technology was given to Hindustan Insecticides Ltd. last month by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for use and commercial manufacture in India.