M. Bovis Payouts Conclude: A Milestone for New Zealand Farmers

New Zealand's Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) compensation service has officially wrapped up after seven years, marking a significant milestone for the country's dairy and beef sectors. The DairyNZ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Compensation Assistance Team (DBCAT), established in 2018, played a critical role in guiding 1370 farmers through the complexities of this period, finalizing over 2310 compensation claims. In total, the service facilitated more than $161 million in payouts—$88 million to dairy farmers and $40 million to beef farmers—while saving over $10 million through smart farm-systems solutions.

As New Zealand enters the seventh year of a decade-long M. bovis eradication plan, the program transitions to the M. bovis National Pest Management Plan, focusing on long-term management and prevention. With no active confirmed properties at present, this success hinges on the collaboration between the industry and government.

The Ministry for Primary Industries will now handle any new claims, reflecting a successful culmination of efforts to safeguard New Zealand’s dairy and beef herds, while reinforcing its global reputation for high-quality dairy products.