Ceva joins with Chinese University on AI vaccine

French animal health company, Ceva Santé Animale has signed a scientific collaboration protocol about avian influenza vaccines with the Veterinary College of the South China Agricultural University in Wushan, Guangzhou.

The objective of this agreement is to evaluate Ceva’s Vectormune AI against local virulent strains of avian flu. The H5N1 virus (not to be confused with the H7N9 virus that affects people) causes heavy losses in poultry. And if this virus only sporadically affects the human population, it could, through accidental mutation, create a very serious global health problem.

Ceva has extensive expertise with its HVT vector technology. Its new Vectormune AI vaccine is particularly effective in protecting poultry against avian influenza caused by H5N1 influenza virus.

Ceva with the Veterinary Faculty of the University of Guangzhou (South China Agriculture University) will scientifically evaluate the effectiveness of this technology against the H5N1 strains present and described in China. This study will validate the value of beginning registration and a transfer of production according to the regulations in place in China.

In addition, if appropriate, it will allow the start-up of research work in collaboration with Chinese institutions regarding the value of using Ceva’s technology for the control of other diseases, including other forms of avian influenza caused by new viruses.

The agreement was signed by Dr Marc Prikazsky, Ceva Santé Animale chairman and chief executive officer and Prof Ren Tao, vice-dean of the South China Agricultural University in the presence of Deng Li, Minister at the Chinese Embassy in France.