Passing of Dr. Yan Ghazikhanian
A Celebration of Life will be held for Dr. Yan Ghazikhanian at The Vintage House, Stone Hall, located at 264 1st Street East in Sonoma, California on Saturday September 16th at 1:30pm
It is with profound sadness that we let you know of the passing of Dr. Yan Ghazikhanian on July 29, 2023. Dr. Yan, as he is known throughout the world turkey industry, joined Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms (NTBF) in 1974 as staff veterinarian. He spent 33 years of his career with Nicholas and officially retired as Vice President of Veterinary Medicine in 2007. A graduate of the University of Tehran, Iran, Dr. Yan earned his DVM at the top of his class. He then traveled to the U.S. to continue his higher education through a scholarship foundation. He earned his MS and PhD in Comparative Pathology from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Yan is a Charter member and Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. Read Aviagen Turkeys complete tribute here
“Yan was an amazing man, part of our CPF family for many years. He was a leader in NPIP circles and as a veterinarian, one of the most respected I have known. May be rest in peace.” -Bill Mattos, CPF President
“Dr. Yan Ghazikhanian, Veterinarian, and laboratory director, Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms, Sonoma, California endeared himself to the United States Turkey Industry, and to all involved with the National Poultry Improvement Plan through his humanity in Living, his Loyalty in friendship, his Wisdom in Council and his Inspiration in Leadership. Dr. Ghazikhanian was an outstanding scientist. I have so many many great memories of his friendship and Leadership. Many times I availed myself of his counsel relative to his Turkey health expertise. He was instrumental in adding the Mycoplasma Meleagridis testing program for Turkey breeders to the NPIP in 1984.” — Andy Rhorer, former NPIP Senior Coordinator