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Bishop Peter Smith of East Anglia, chair of the Catholic Bishops' Department for Christian Responsibility and Citizenship, expressed solidarity with the farming community.

He said: "Lent is a time when we turn aside from selfishness and express our solidarity with those in difficulty and distress. Let those involved in the foot and mouth crisis, either directly or indirectly, be assured of the support and prayers of Catholic congregations throughout the country."

David Emison, chairman of the Methodist Church Cumbria District—one of the worst hit areas—called for a day of prayer for farmers and all those affected by the foot and mouth outbreak. He urged people to pray every hour on the hour throughout the day.

The Samaritans, founded by an Anglican clergyman, announced that their organization was providing extra resources to rural communities because of the crisis. Rhian Thomas of the Samaritans told ENI: "We don't keep records of calls but, anecdotally, many of our centers are reporting an increased volume of calls from rural communities."

The Samaritans and the Arthur Rank Center are among six charities to share another 500,000 pounds sterling ($725,000) given to help with the foot and mouth crisis by the Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne. The prince's donation was matched with an equal amount from the Duke of Devonshire, one of the country's richest landowners.

The Samaritans said the prince's support would enable the charity to target its awareness specifically to help farmers and rural communities experiencing emotional distress. It could develop its Web site links with other rural community organizations.

Chief executive Simon Armson said: "Many people in rural areas are experiencing a deeply traumatic time in the face of this latest crisis. The Samaritans is dedicated to being there at any time of day or night for anyone feeling overwhelmed by difficulties."

The government pays compensation at market value for slaughtered animals, and has promised additional support for farmers and for people running rural tourism businesses, who in many cases have been as hard hit as farmers.

However, there is no automatic payment for other losses suffered by farmers as a result of the disease, such as being unable to move and sell stock. These losses can be covered by insurance, but only one British farmer in 10 has insurance against foot and mouth disease.

Critics blame modern rearing and marketing methods for the rapid spread of the foot and mouth outbreak countrywide, unlike Britain's last outbreak in 1967, which was limited to a few areas. The closure of many local abattoirs and markets means that animals may be driven almost anywhere in the country to be sold or slaughtered.

Helen Szamuely, director of the campaigning organization Honest Food, said: "The large-scale closure of small and medium-sized abattoirs has been caused by inappropriate regulation regimes and shockingly high inspection charges. These closures have lengthened the journeys that animals have to make to slaughterhouses, greatly increasing the possibility of cross-infection."

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March (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45