The late Professor Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh was one of the prominent and well-known scholars in the fields of zoonotic diseases and epidemiology. With his sharp and analytical perspectives in diagnosing infectious diseases and conducting epidemiological studies, he made significant contributions to advancing science and research on zoonotic diseases in Iran. Professor Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh was born in 1956 in the village of Shoorijeh, located in the Sarvestan County of Fars province. Fars province, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has been the breeding ground for the development of outstanding academic personalities, such as Professor Jafari. He pursued his higher education in veterinary medicine and, after earning his doctoral degree in epidemiology from the University of California and a specialized doctorate in small animal medicine from the University of Tehran, became one of the leading professors and researchers in these fields. His scientific and research successes in epidemiology and infectious disease diagnosis were recognized not only nationally but also internationally. Professor Jafari Shoorijeh received his specialized doctorate in epidemiology from the University of California, USA, and also earned a specialized doctorate in small animal medicine from the University of Tehran. Throughout his professional career, in addition to teaching at prestigious universities, he was involved in significant research and development activities in veterinary medicine, public health, and infectious diseases. After completing his professional doctorate at the University of Tehran, Dr. Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh defended his thesis in 1974 entitled “A Study of Dairy Farms Around Tehran,” supervised by the esteemed professor – Dr. Reza Rezaifar. This research analyzed the health and management conditions of dairy farms around Tehran and examined their impact on animal health and livestock production. Professor Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh, a distinguished professor at Shiraz University, supervised numerous veterinary doctoral theses during his career. His students, including Dr. Zabihollah Khaksar (1992), Dr. Nadirali Azimzadeh Moghaddam (1993), Dr. Seyed Alireza Bani Hashemi Khalajiri (1993), Dr. Mohammad Hossein Sadeghi Chafjiri (1993), Dr. Ali Naghi Taghipour (1993), Dr. Omid Karimi (1993), Dr. Hojjatollah Tooni (1994), Dr. Kourosh Rahnama Iraqi (1995), Dr. Vahidreza Khamsehpour (1996), Dr. Mohammad Hassan Ghafarani Jaherami (1996), Dr. Mahshid Rafi (1996), Dr. Elham Vahidi (1997), Dr. Ahmad Reza Anvar (2004), Dr. Mahjoub Vaedi (2005), Dr. Amin Tamadon (2005), and Dr. Saleh Niknam (2005), worked under his guidance in various scientific fields of veterinary medicine and made significant scientific contributions Figure 1.Figure 1: Professor Jafari and his students (authors of the article) in a project of Shiraz University (Location: Qeshm Island, Iran, July 2008)Dr. Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh made notable contributions in the field of writing and translating specialized veterinary books. Some of his prominent books include “Methods of Restraining Laboratory and Domestic Animals,” “Clinical Diagnosis Methods in Small Animals,” and “Clinical Examination and Diagnosis in Small Animals,” which are considered important scientific references in diagnosing and treating diseases in pets and laboratory animals. In addition, Dr. Jafari Shoorijeh, in collaboration with his colleagues, translated the book “Doberman Pinscher: Identification, Training, and Diseases,” which examines the characteristics and health issues of this specific breed. He also worked as a translator for the book “Principles of Veterinary Hygiene and Services” by Abutorab Tabatabai Naeini, an important source in the field of animal care and veterinary hygiene. His scientific works have played a significant role in advancing professional knowledge in veterinary medicine and educating students in this field. Professor Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh conducted significant research in various fields of veterinary science, particularly in parasitology, epidemiology, and molecular biology of animal diseases. One of his most important studies was the phylogenetic analysis of Y chromosomes in rural dogs from the Middle East and Southeast Asia, published in PLoS One. This research greatly contributed to understanding the evolutionary roots and genetic diversity of dogs in these regions. Moreover, his research on external parasitic infections in dogs (Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences) and the prevalence of bluetongue virus in sheep in West Azerbaijan (Comparative Immunology, Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases) highlights his expertise in animal health and disease surveillance. These studies have significantly contributed to improving our understanding of zoonotic diseases and parasite control in pets and livestock. Other research, such as examining the parasitic infection of Oestrus ovis in sheep and goats (Tropical Animal Health and Production) and the prevalence of parvovirus in dogs (Iranian Journal of Biotechnology), shows his focus on veterinary parasitology and its impact on the health of both domestic and household animals. These studies are essential for developing prevention and treatment strategies in various regions. Professor Sardar Jafari Shoorijeh maintained extensive scientific collaborations with researchers from around the world in his international research projects. He participated in numerous research initiatives with renowned institutions and universities in the fields of infectious diseases and epidemiology. These publications have contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge in areas such as animal health, viral diseases, and parasitology, fostering multilateral collaborations with researchers from the USA, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and other regions. Professor Jafari Shoorijeh was also involved in joint research projects with Iranian and international universities and research centers, studying the prevalence and control of diseases, demonstrating his commitment to international research and scientific exchange. In summary, Professor Jafari Shoorijeh’s research in various veterinary fields, including genetics, epidemiology, and veterinary parasitology, has contributed to the development of global knowledge and the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic methods Figure 2.Figure 2: Professor Jafari’s courses for students of UCLA (location: Arizona, USA, April 2010)His memory will remain alive in the hearts of his colleagues, students, and researchers. His research and scientific achievements will continue to influence the advancement of medical and veterinary science. “A good name remains from a person, and with it remains a house of treasure.” The true value of a person lies in their good behavior and deeds, as such a name will remain in the memories and history. Therefore, honoring the memory and legacy of individuals who have made lasting positive impacts on society is essential. Celebrating these figures not only preserves their memory but also passes on their values and teachings to future generations. Author contributions A.T. conceptualized and drafted the manuscript. M.A.B. contributed to writing, review, and final approval of the manuscript. Both authors read and approved the final version. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Tamadon et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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