VMRCVM
Search VMRCVM
News & Events
arrow News   arrow VMRCVM

In Memoriam: Charles H. Domermuth Jr., professor emeritus of avian medicine


Charles H. Domermuth Jr.BLACKSBURG, Va., July 2, 2009--Charles H. Domermuth Jr., professor emeritus in the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, died Sunday, June 28, 2009, at the age of 80.

Domermuth began his career with Virginia Tech in 1954 in the Veterinary Science Department, a division of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and retired 38 years later in 1992, following service as head of the regional veterinary college’s Department of Agriculture and Urban Practice.

“Dr. Domermuth was a major figure in the history of veterinary medicine at Virginia Tech,” said Veterinary Teaching Hospital Director Dr. Bill Pierson, who worked closely with Dr. Domermuth while pursuing his own Ph.D. research in the 1980’s. “His pioneering work in infectious disease research helped lay the groundwork for decades of vaccine development work here at Virginia Tech.”

In 1977, Domermuth invented a vaccine against hemorrhagic enteritis in turkeys that is still used today in countries around the world. Since its introduction, the vaccine has saved the U.S. poultry industry in excess of $300 million. He also helped to establish a graduate program in avian studies at Virginia Tech.

Domermuth’s work was internationally recognized and, during the course of his career, he served as visiting scholar at the Statens Serum Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark and at the East African Veterinary Research Organization in Kenya. He was also awarded the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in Research, the highest research honor bestowed by the university.

He received his bachelor’s degree in bacteriology in 1951 from Elmhurst College, his master’s degree in bacteriology in 1955 from the University of Kentucky, and his Ph.D. in microbiology in 1962 from Virginia Tech.

Domermuth is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy, three children, and seven grandchildren.

The family requests those wishing to honor his life consider a memorial gift to either the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Office of Development, Duck Pond Drive (0442), Blacksburg, VA 24061; or to the Newport Rescue Squad, 418 Blue Grass Trail, Newport, Va.