An innovative vaccination campaign against avian influenza

Pairi Daiza collaborates with the Ceva Wildlife Research Fund and Sciensano in the fight against avian influenza. This epidemic, caused by the H5N1 virus, affects both poultry and wild birds, resulting in the death of millions of birds and massive fatalities among wild populations. It affects almost all continents, especially Europe, Asia, the Americas, and, to a lesser extent, Africa.

Zoos are also at risk of spreading avian influenza because birds living among humans can become infected with the virus through direct or indirect contact with wild birds, such as geese.

Since 2022, the collaboration between the three partners has led to the establishment of an innovative vaccination program targeting the most vulnerable birds in the park, such as the spectacle pelicans, peacocks, and Humboldt penguins.