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Vale Emeritus Professor
Peter Spradbrow.
It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Emeritus Professor Peter Spradbrow AM on Friday 31 March 2017.
Peter was a highly respected Board member of the Kyeema Foundation.
Many of you working with village chickens across Asia and Africa, in both poultry research and the vaccine world, will have known Peter and be aware of the immense contribution he has made to poultry health internationally, and improving rural livelihoods, particularly through his work on Newcastle disease.
For the best part of his long and outstanding career in the University of Queensland's School of Veterinary Science, Peter spearheaded research that led to the development of thermotolerant Newcastle disease vaccines. These vaccines, suitable for protecting village chickens where refrigeration is not available, continue to be a highly valued contribution to Australia's aid and development program. With support from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peter's work went beyond the vaccines, resulting in a sustainable Newcastle disease control model that has helped to improve village poultry production in countries throughout Asia and Africa. This model continues to alleviate poverty for the most vulnerable people in resource-poor regions and serves as a platform for improving Food Security.
Peter's work and many contributions have been recognised by numerous awards, including, in 1995, the Clunies Ross Medal for Science and Technology, Member of the Order of Australia, the AIDAB Award for Excellence in Overseas Aid, the Kesteven Medal of the Australian Veterinary Association and the Australian Poultry Award in 2005.
He was a wonderful mentor to many, was respected as a chief for his contribution to poverty alleviation in Africa, and has been an inspiration to us all.
Any of us who knew Peter recognised him to be one of life's greatest gentlemen with a wonderful wit. We mourn his loss and recognise the great contribution he has made.Indeed, he was integral to the foundation of our organisation.
Our thoughts are with Peter's wife Gwen and his family and friends.
Posted on behalf of:
The Kyeema Foundation
Copyright © 2017 Kyeema Foundation, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
kyeema@kyeemafoundation.org
4 April 2017
