Respected California horse surgeon Dr. Gregory Ferraro has taken the reins of UC Davis' Center for Equine Health as its new director. The job involves overseeing the center's extensive research and funding programs and managing the 60-acre campus facility, which includes a 250-horse research herd. Ferraro also will oversee a U.S. Department of Agriculture-sanctioned quarantine program to monitor equine health. In addition, he will supervise an extensive breeding program and will act as a liaison to educational institutions, industry associations and equine foundations statewide. A 1979 graduate of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Ferraro has extensive thoroughbred race track experience and has served as an associate clinical professor of surgery at the school from 1979-1996. He also has been active on numerous professional advisory boards. "We welcome Dr. Ferraro and his demonstrated commitment to the California horse industry, including a wide variety of equine veterinary experience throughout the past 26 years," says Bennie I. Osburn, dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "I intend to make the center a strong and active advocate for the best interests of the horse and broaden our relationships with horse people throughout California and the United States," Ferraro says. .