Serious question. How is having a lab on the “mainland” for FNM that much, if at all different from the CDC in Atlanta housing and working with the deadliest of the deadliest viruses on planet earth? There is clearly a chance that one or more could “get out”? Shouldn’t then the CDC labs for those viruses be put on some remote island?
Yes.
The difference here is that it is infrequent for humans to see any symptoms. By the time FMD escapes and is noticed, it is a week to 10 days later — IF... IF you have a trained DVM to diagnose the symptoms by sight.
Because we have been FMD-free for so long, it would likely be even longer before we had a positive ID from a lab culturing and response. Since FMD travels on the wind, cars, people’s shoes, etc — it would have spread far and wide before first diagnosis - and likely it would have the opportunity to spread from coast to coast before positive ID.
The problem here is that the vast majority of people don’t know anything about ag any more, and they really have no appreciation for how their actions around something like FMD would cause ripple effects. Tell them that there is a direct consequence for them, their families, etc — and suddenly you have some attention and diligence.
Just try telling people that their travel is going to be restricted to prevent an animal disease outbreak — and see what level of co-operation you get in response.
I believe you’d see some farming communities posting local law enforcement and instantly deputized volunteers with arms on roadways to enforce checkpoints. That probably wasn’t put into the Crimson Sky simulation.