Prominent Swine Researcher Dies

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Contact:  Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228

Prominent swine researcher Carlos Pijoan dies

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (January 17, 2007) – Carlos Pijoan, a professor in the Veterinary Population Medicine Department at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, died peacefully at age 61 at his home in Shoreview, Minnesota, on Jan. 9 after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

The founder and director of the University’s Swine Disease Eradication Center, Pijoan was recognized internationally for his work in the area of swine respiratory disease and the influence of swine production systems on the dynamics of microorganisms such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, Haemophilus parasuis, Streptococcus suis, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. He oversaw the professional development of numerous graduate students from around the world, many of whom have made significant contributions to the swine industry.

“Carlos truly touched uncountable lives — both personally and professionally — throughout the global swine and research communities, as well as here at the college,” says Jeffrey Klausner, dean, College of Veterinary Medicine. “He will truly be missed.”

Pijoan received his veterinary degree from the National University of Mexico in 1969 and his Ph.D. from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom in 1973. In 1982, he joined the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, where his many honors and awards included the Norden Teaching Excellence Award in 1991, the Mark of Excellence Award in 2001, the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence in 2002, and Best Teacher awards in 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Pijoan was also an artistic woodworker, bird watcher, nature lover, and world traveler. He is survived by his wife, Montse; children, Marc, Carla, and Adrian; granddaughter, Sara; brother, Pau; sister, Carmen Maria; nieces, nephews, numerous other relatives, colleagues, students, and friends.

The family requests that all charitable donations in his memory be directed to the Swine Disease Eradication Center fellowship in his name. This endowed fellowship will provide funding for applied research in swine health for a graduate student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Donations may be mailed to the College of Veterinary Medicine, 450 VMC, 1365 Gortner Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108.

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