Donaldson attributes the perceived severity of the crisis in Britain to the fact that the UK has its own developed domestic livestock trade, alongside a "very valuable" export trade.

CNN: Foot-and-mouth virus: A global dilemma

These gold-linked currencies would be totally voluntary, and would trade alongside existing fiat currencies.

FORBES: One Path To A Global Gold Standard

Over the same period, employment, manufacturing, and the stock market all also increased the fastest alongside a widening trade gap.

FORBES: Two Cheers For A Big U.S. Trade Deficit