Longest-quarantined island

Gruinard Island off the west coast of Scotland, was quarantined in 1942 following a test release of anthrax to wipe out a flock of sheep. The test was ordered at a time when it was feared the Germans may launch chemical or biological attacks on Britain. The quarantine was not lifted until 24 April 1990, 48 years later. The island was declared safe in 1990 when Michael Neubert, a junior Defence Minister, travelled to the 520-acre island to remove the red warning sign.