Veterinary dean honored by California Cattlemen's Association for work in animal welfare, research

Davis, Calif.

-- University of California's Dr. Bennie I. Osburn was recently honored by the California Cattlemen's Association.

The veterinary school dean received the Gordon K. Van Vleck Memorial Award for his contributions to the California beef-cattle industry.

Osburn has been dean of the UC-Davis veterinary school since 1996. He oversees the school's teaching, research and service programs, including the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, veterinary extension, the Veterinary Medical Teaching and Research Center in Tulare, and the Western Institute for Food Safety and Security.

Osburn was recognized for his role in improving the welfare of food animals, particularly cattle and sheep, the university reports.

"He has also been involved in key discoveries about food-animal viruses including the bluetongue virus and border disease virus, developmental immunology, congenital infections and food safety, the university says.