Singapore, November 20, 2025 - Ceva Wildlife Research Fund (CWRF), Ceva Animal Health (Ceva), the National Parks Board (NParks) and Mandai Wildlife Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly conduct a pilot of an established avian flu vaccination programme for zoological birds in Singapore. Building on similar efforts in Europe and on Ceva’s long-standing expertise in avian flu, the programme aims to enhance the resilience of threatened and at-risk bird species, and to expand the vaccine’s effectiveness across a broader range of species against the threat of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI).
While Singapore remains free of HPAI, it is present in many parts of the world and continues to spread globally, underscoring the need for vigilance. This collaboration supports Singapore’s continued long-term commitment to strengthening its biosurveillance and biosecurity programme while proactively safeguarding bird populations.
The global spread of HPAI highlights the importance of understanding diseases that can affect wildlife, domestic animals, and people. This reinforces the importance of the One Health approach, which recognises the close interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
This initiative reflects a proactive effort to strengthen Singapore’s preparedness and prevent the spread of HPAI using the latest generation vaccine developed by Ceva – offering cross-species possible application and targeting circulating strains.
The study, set to begin in 2026, will evaluate the vaccine across species in Mandai Wildlife Group’s care, particularly those vulnerable to HPAI or of conservation significance. It will involve birds representing multiple avian orders, and potentially species such as the white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus), brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) and marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris). The project will generate valuable insights into the vaccine’s antibody response, duration of protection, and cross-species effectiveness, helping inform preventive vaccination strategies that could enhance protection against HPAI infection in birds.
Under this collaboration, CWRF will lead the scientific and logistical aspects of the programme, while Ceva provides the vaccines. NParks will coordinate the vaccination programme and help test and review the results. Mandai Wildlife Group will monitor the birds involved and ensure their welfare throughout the process. Vaccination is a routine component of Mandai Wildlife Group’s preventive healthcare programme for its animals to ensure their health and well-being, and conducted under veterinary supervision.
This partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to advancing animal health, safeguarding biodiversity, and applying science-driven solutions to conservation challenges.
“This collaboration truly reflects the essence of the One Health approach — bringing together scientific innovation, veterinary know-how, and a commitment to wildlife conservation. Through this joint effort, we aim not only to safeguard vulnerable bird species from avian influenza, but also to reinforce our shared preparedness against emerging zoonotic disease threats affecting both animals and humans.”— Marc Prikazsky, Chairman and CEO of Ceva Animal Health and President of Ceva Wildlife Research Fund
“As we work towards transforming Singapore into a City in Nature, partnerships like this demonstrate how scientific innovation, responsible stewardship, and collaborative expertise can build resilience against global health challenges while advancing wildlife conservation. Though Singapore remains free from HPAI, this proactive vaccination pilot helps us gain new knowledge to stay ahead of potential risks, protecting both our wildlife and our community. The findings will contribute towards the scientific knowledge on HPAI prevention in different bird species.”
— Hwang Yu-Ning, CEO, National Parks Board
“We’re proud to contribute to this important collaboration. With the diversity of species in our care, we can provide unique insights into the vaccine’s performance and boosting knowledge that can help shape conservation and health strategies locally and globally. Protecting these birds isn’t just about today; it’s about safeguarding the future of some of the world’s most vulnerable species. By collaborating closely with our partners, we hope to turn these insights into tangible action for wildlife conservation worldwide.” – Bennett Neo, Group CEO, Mandai Wildlife Group
“Tackling animal diseases—especially zoonotic threats—is essential to building a safer and more resilient world. We are encouraged to see Temasek’s portfolio companies, Mandai Wildlife Group and Ceva Animal Health, partnering with the National Parks Board to safeguard biodiversity and strengthen preparedness against emerging health risks. At Temasek, we actively foster such collaborations across our ecosystem, helping to advance a healthier, more resilient, and sustainable future for all.” – Anuj Maheshwari, Head, Agri-Food, Temasek
A joint scientific and monitoring committee will oversee the project, ensuring regular communication and transparent sharing of results. Plans are in place to publish findings for the wider conservation and veterinary community.
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