The Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, has called for renewed vigilance and prayer to help prevent further outbreaks, writes Joe Humphries.
"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 said in a statement issued yesterday.
"Our hearts go out to the farming community, especially to those unfortunate farmers whose animals now have to be destroyed for the common good," he said. "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."