The discovery of only one case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the national herd last week, following no cases the previous week, has increased confidence that Ireland may soon be able to declare a BSE-free national herd.
So far this year 47 cases have been found here compared to 69 cases in the same period last year and 116 cases for the same period in 2002.
Irish scientists are now convinced that the disease of the central nervous system in cattle is now confined to certain older animals which were exposed to contaminated meat and bonemeal before the mid-1990s. While no one is prepared to predict a date when disease-free status can be achieved, serious consideration is being given to amending the way in which herds where the disease has been found are dealt with.
Ireland instituted a system of slaughtering all the animals on farms where the disease was found despite there being no evidence that the disease could be passed from animal to animal or from cow to calf.
This "slaughter-out" policy, which was a marketing tool to reassure customers that they would not be exposed to BSE, has served the industry well, and last year Ireland sold more beef than in any other year in the past 20.
The policy has been expensive on the taxpayer and has created major problems for farmers who have to build up a fresh herd and start over again.
The Department of Agriculture and Food has examined the possibility of adopting the British system of destroying only the diseased animal and leaving the rest of the herd in place.
The review was carried out in the context of cost-cutting before the estimates were compiled for last year's Budget and in light of falling BSE figures.
The move is being opposed by those involved in marketing Irish beef, who point out that without that level of reassurance, the industry would not be in the position it is today.