Collaborative effort to strengthen Singapore’s preparedness against avian influenza

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.

About Ceva Animal Health

Ceva Animal Health (Ceva) is the 5th global animal health company, led by experienced veterinarians, whose mission is to provide innovative health solutions for all animals to ensure the highest level of care and well-being. Our portfolio includes preventive medicine such as vaccines and animal welfare products, pharmaceutical solutions for farm and companion animals, as well as equipment and services to provide the best experience for our customers.

With more than 7,000 employees located in 47 countries, Ceva strives daily to bring to life its vision as a One Health company: “Together, beyond animal health”.
2024 turnover: €1.77 billion

About Ceva Wildlife Research Fund

Ceva Wildlife Research Fund is an independent endowment fund, dedicated to the field of wildlife health by supporting applied research projects and providing expertise to preserve biodiversity and promote the One Health approach.

Its three main missions:

• contributing to the preservation of animal biodiversity,
• facilitating interactions at the wildlife–human–farm animals interface,
• understanding, monitoring and tackling emerging diseases including zoonoses.

https://www.ceva.com/wildlife-research-fund/

About National Parks Board (NParks)

The National Parks Board (NParks) is responsible for enhancing and managing the urban ecosystems of our City in Nature. We are the lead agency for greenery, biodiversity conservation, and wildlife and animal health, welfare and management. We also work closely with the community to enhance the quality of our living environment.

NParks manages parks, nature reserves, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Pulau Ubin and the Sisters' Islands Marine Park, as well as island-wide networks of Nature Ways and the Park Connector Network. NParks also manages millions of trees along roads, in parks, gardens and state land.

NParks has developed an urban biodiversity conservation model to conserve representative ecosystems in land-scarce Singapore. It also coordinates measures to enhance biodiversity in the urban landscape.

The Animal & Veterinary Service, a cluster within NParks, is the main touch-point for animal-related issues and the first responder to animal-related feedback.

About Mandai Wildlife Group

Mandai Wildlife Group is dedicated to caring for the planet and protecting animals and nature. Conservation education is intrinsic in all interactions to inspire action for a healthier world.

Mandai Wildlife Group stewards the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to world-renowned wildlife parks in Singapore. It is undertaking a major rejuvenation plan integrating wildlife parks, nature-themed experiences, public green spaces and an eco-friendly resort.

The Group contributes to leading wildlife research, develops sustainable-living solutions, and partners in conservation efforts across Southeast Asia.

Press contacts

Emilie Barrail
Head of Global External Communication – Ceva Animal Health
emilie.barrail@ceva.com

Flavie Rochelli
Communication Manager – Ceva Wildlife Research Fund
frochelli@cevawildlife.org

Neo Shaoqi
Senior Manager, Communications – National Parks Board
NEO_Shaoqi@nparks.gov.sg

Cheryl Wen
Communications – Mandai Wildlife Group
cheryl.wen@mandai.com