Ronald Fayer Papers

Ronald Fayer (b. 1939) served as a zoologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Environmental Microbial Safety Laboratory. He is recognized for scientific research leadership on parasites that infect animals and humans, particularly pathogens affecting food animals and food safety. He has led a range of work on parasite identification and host-parasite relationships, and his work has resulted in significant innovations on parasite controls that have helped secure food safety and food supplies around the world. Results from his findings have been widely adopted by pharmaceutical researchers, epidemiologists, veterinarians, and other health professionals who track and control parasite infestations and foodborne illness.

Fayer has served as president of three national scientific societies and as editorial board member of five scientific journals. Among his professional honors are the Helminthological Society of Washington's Anniversary Award, the Distinguished Veterinary Parasitologist from the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Unit Award, and the H. B. Ward Medal from the American Society of Parasitologists. Fayer received USDA Superior Service awards in 1978 and 1997, and USDA's Plow Award in 2005. He is also a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Senior Professional. He retired from USDA in 2013, after 45 years of service.