This tale begins to sound like a Mafia family tree. Not to be outdone, the Far East has its own special strain, ASIA 1. If we were to vaccinate for one of the serotypes, no cross-immunity would be generated for the patient against any of the other serotypes, or strains. The conclusion that most researchers have reached is that a vaccination program would be neither wise nor effective, in North America, because of these properties of the virus. The bottom line is, that to be effective, the Foot and Mouth vaccine would have to be exactly the right one for the strain and its serotype that are the enemy invader.
Vaccination is also costly as well, therefore eradication is the ideal approach in any country.
It cannot be achieved in countries of large continents such as Europe, unless every country agrees to cooperate. Nor is eradication practicable in third world countries such as India, where the disease exists on a continuing basis. A poor choice could cost the cattle industry millions of dollars. To help make an accurate assessment, a mathematical model or a computer simulation model can aid the administrators in charge to determine the best course of action according to the changing variables. North America enjoys an enviable position in its freedom from Foot and Mouth Disease.