The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Dr Sean Brady has appealed for the entire community to follow the direction of the authorities in a bid to overcome the "disaster".
Dr Sean Brady
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Dr Brady, whose archdiocese takes in the sites of the two foot-and-mouth outbreaks on either side of the Irish border, said the spread of the disease to Co Louth in the Republic had caused further anxiety and distress to farmers.
He said: "It is also a worrying time for people whose livelihoods are seriously affected by the current crisis, not least those employed in the food industry, tourism and several other sectors. They also deserve our understanding and support at this critical time.
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"It is important that the whole community continues to show its willingness to help by faithfully following the advice, regulations and instructions given by the civil authorities at local and governmental level."
Dr Brady also encouraged "constant prayer and fasting" over Lent for the country to be saved from further outbreaks and for other countries to bring the outbreak under control.
"May God give consolation to those who have suffered loss, wisdom to those who have to make difficult decisions, and success to the work of the hands of all who are striving to overcome this disaster," he added.