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Pairi Daiza is strengthening the protection of its endangered birds with a new vaccination campaign against avian flu.
04.11.2025
Animals & Conservation
A new vaccination campaign against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) took place on November 5, 2025 at Pairi Daiza. It is supported by Ceva Wildlife Research Fund, an endowment fund dedicated to wildlife health, which finances applied research projects and shares its expertise to preserve biodiversity.
Since 2021, Europe has been facing an unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza, which also threatens birds living in the open air in wildlife parks. These species can be infected through direct or indirect contact with their wild counterparts.
Starting in 2023, Pairi Daiza initiated a vaccination campaign for some of its most at-risk birds. The Park continues to play a key role, enabling close monitoring of vaccinated animals and contributing to research.
As avian influenza viruses are constantly evolving, prevention has become a global issue. Initiatives like these play a vital role: they allow for precise monitoring of vaccinated animals and contribute to the protection of species of high conservation value, such as the African penguin, classified as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2025, the new vaccination campaign allowed for the treatment of 70 birds of 3 species :
Building on the promising results obtained during previous campaigns, during which Sciensano, the Belgian national reference laboratory, carried out virological and serological analyses, the project continues with confidence.
This campaign marks a new stage in the prevention program. The vaccine used is an improved version, adapted to the strains currently circulating , the result of Ceva Santé Animale's expertise and veterinarians' observations on their animals.
“ This scientific and conservation adventure began at Pairi Daiza. Three years later, the results confirm that vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect the most vulnerable birds. ” – Pierre-Marie Borne, Director of Ceva Wildlife Research Fund
This pelican and African penguin conservation program at Pairi Daiza is a prime example of concrete collaboration with a positive impact. Each party brings real added value to the protection of these rare animals: the Ceva Wildlife Research Fund supports the project by funding vaccination campaigns and providing expertise and equipment. And the birds at Pairi Daiza, along with their keepers and veterinarians, contribute to supporting research for the benefit of their species.
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04.11.2025
Animals & Conservation
A new vaccination campaign against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) took place on November 5, 2025 at Pairi Daiza. It is supported by Ceva Wildlife Research Fund, an endowment fund dedicated to wildlife health, which finances applied research projects and shares its expertise to preserve biodiversity.
Since 2021, Europe has been facing an unprecedented outbreak of avian influenza, which also threatens birds living in the open air in wildlife parks. These species can be infected through direct or indirect contact with their wild counterparts.
Starting in 2023, Pairi Daiza initiated a vaccination campaign for some of its most at-risk birds. The Park continues to play a key role, enabling close monitoring of vaccinated animals and contributing to research.
As avian influenza viruses are constantly evolving, prevention has become a global issue. Initiatives like these play a vital role: they allow for precise monitoring of vaccinated animals and contribute to the protection of species of high conservation value, such as the African penguin, classified as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2025, the new vaccination campaign allowed for the treatment of 70 birds of 3 species :
- the African Penguin ( Spheniscus demersus ), classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List;
- the White Pelican of Africa ( Pelecanus onocrotalus );
- the Australian Pelican ( Pelecanus conspicillatus ).
Building on the promising results obtained during previous campaigns, during which Sciensano, the Belgian national reference laboratory, carried out virological and serological analyses, the project continues with confidence.
This campaign marks a new stage in the prevention program. The vaccine used is an improved version, adapted to the strains currently circulating , the result of Ceva Santé Animale's expertise and veterinarians' observations on their animals.
“ This scientific and conservation adventure began at Pairi Daiza. Three years later, the results confirm that vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect the most vulnerable birds. ” – Pierre-Marie Borne, Director of Ceva Wildlife Research Fund
This pelican and African penguin conservation program at Pairi Daiza is a prime example of concrete collaboration with a positive impact. Each party brings real added value to the protection of these rare animals: the Ceva Wildlife Research Fund supports the project by funding vaccination campaigns and providing expertise and equipment. And the birds at Pairi Daiza, along with their keepers and veterinarians, contribute to supporting research for the benefit of their species.