The DBCAT service facilitated an impressive total of more than $161 million in compensation claims. This substantial sum included $88 million directed to dairy farmers and $40 million to beef farmers, providing much-needed financial relief and stability in the wake of the M. bovis outbreak. Beyond simply processing claims, the service’s strategic interventions are estimated to have saved the overall M. bovis eradication program over $10 million, primarily by identifying smart farm-systems solutions that reduced the necessity for additional claims, demonstrating strong dairy economics management.

Both DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand have lauded the DBCAT service for its indispensable role in supporting farmers. They emphasized how the team made the often-complex compensation process more accessible and efficient, ensuring that livestock producers had dedicated, expert support throughout their claims. This focus on farmer welfare was paramount in mitigating the financial and emotional toll of the eradication effort, a key lesson for the international dairy community facing similar biosecurity threats.

The ongoing M. bovis eradication program is currently seven years into a comprehensive 10-year plan. Remarkably, there are currently no active, confirmed properties, a testament to the program’s effectiveness and the collective efforts of the industry and government. On January 1, the program transitioned to the M. bovis National Pest Management Plan (NPMP), now implemented by OSPRI, signaling a shift towards long-term management and prevention.