There were seven cases of BSE during the past week, bringing the total so far this year to 121.
That compares with 170 for the same period last year and 313 in 2002.
However, the authorities are still trying to establish the age of one case discovered this week.
Department of Agriculture officials are examining the tag and the identity number of the animal involved, a cow in Kerry.
The other cases this week were in Wexford, Kerry, Westmeath, Kildare and two in Cavan. All of these animals were nine years or older.
