All churches in a restricted zone surrounding the Co Armagh farm where a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak has been confirmed have been asked to place disinfectant mats at their entrances to prevent the spread of the disease.
The Department of Agriculture last night requested clergy in all the main churches in Cos Down, Armagh and Louth to take the precautionary measure.
The restricted area around the farm at Meigh includes a three kilometre protection zone with severe restrictions on the movement of animals, and a 10km surveillance zone where animals may be moved around only with prior authorisation.
The Department has asked clergy in these areas to advise their congregations to limit their movements around the countryside.
"If they could provide disinfectant mats, that would be ideal," a spokesman added.
During the Lenten period, some churches have more frequent services. The use of disinfectant mats would help prevent one worshipper spreading the disease to another inside the church premises.
The Presbyterian Moderator, Dr Trevor Morrow, last night said the farming community throughout Ireland was assured of the prayers and pastoral care of everyone in his church at this critical time.
He called for prayers and also urged "all Presbyterian congregations to take appropriate practical action as advised by the authorities in preventing further spreading of this infection".
A spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh said the matter would be given "urgent attention" from today.
A spokesman for the Church of Ireland urged people to act responsibly and said individual parishes would make prudent decisions and take appropriate measures.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Connell has requested people living in rural areas to refrain from attending a celebration of his recent election to the College of Cardinals in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin next Sunday.