In a distinctive display of appreciation, Billy Hargis, a renowned professor of poultry science and the director of the John Kirkpatrick Skeeles Poultry Health Laboratory, found within the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, under the umbrella of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, opted for an unconventional celebration for the naming of a newly-discovered poultry parasite, Eimeria hargisi – he had its image tattooed on his leg.
The genesis of this commemorative act traces back to the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, where researchers stumbled upon the novel species of Eimeria during an investigation conducted at a commercial partridge farm.
Eimeria, a genus notorious for causing coccidiosis across various species including poultry, cattle, sheep, rabbits, bats, fish, and seals, inflicts significant damage to the intestinal walls of poultry, rendering it one of the primary culprits behind gastrointestinal distress. Its infiltration into the host’s gastrointestinal tract leads to a cascade of detrimental effects such as weakened immunity, digestive issues, poor nutrient absorption, diminished performance, and in severe cases, mortality.
Surviving birds often exhibit compromised performance and heightened susceptibility to secondary infections like necrotic enteritis, attributed to pathogens such as Clostridium perfringens and Salmonella.
In a tribute published in the December 2023 edition of the Journal of Parasitology, the research team expressed their homage to Dr. Billy Hargis, lauding his extensive contributions to poultry gut health research and his pivotal role in advancing studies on coccidiosis through mentorship and scholarly endeavors.
While some might find it unusual to have a parasite named after them, the occasion is embraced by enthusiasts of scientific discovery. Moreover, Hargis’s decision to immortalize the naming with a permanent emblem resonates with the essence of scientific dedication, serving as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between researchers and their subjects.
Such gestures not only underscore the significance of scientific inquiry but also serve as catalysts for fostering public interest and engagement with scientific endeavors, ultimately enriching the landscape of knowledge dissemination and appreciation.