Stephen B. Hitchner, the former head of the Department of Avian Diseases at the College of Veterinary Medicine, has passed away. He apparently died on January 1 in his home, according to a statement by Cornell.
Hitchner was best known for discovering a strain of the Newcastle virus. This led to the creation of a vaccine later used to protect commercial poultry flocks. This was an important discovery, as the virus spreads so quickly amongst birds that many die before even showing symptoms. While it took some time for the vaccine to proliferate, there has not been an outbreak of the Newcastle virus in the United States since 1974 – a great legacy for Hitchner. Though Hitchner’s discovery landed him in the private sector for seven years before entering academia, his time spent at the vet school helps add to the college’s sterling reputation.
A vaccine for birds may seem trivial; but think of all the chicken you or people you know eat. MMM…Buffalo wings.
