WASHINGTON - The Bush administration is likely to move its research on one of the most contagious animal diseases from an isolated island laboratory to the U.S. mainland near herds of livestock, raising concerns about a catastrophic outbreak.

A new facility at Plum Island is technically a possibility. Signs point to a mainland site, however, after the administration spent considerable time and money scouting new locations. Also, there are financial concerns about operating from a location accessible only by ferry or helicopter.

Somehow this doesnt surprise me. The goverment is worried about "substantial money" (nevermind the fact that the administration has supported a soon to be trillion dollar war in Iraq) already spent scouting out different mainland locations for the new facility, so it is a 'done deal'? Being told that they can now control the virus/sterilization etc...much better than they could when the Plum Island facility was originally built doesnt instill confidence in me or the thousands of farmers who could see their herds destroyed.