A new DNA testing scheme for juvenile laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy (JLPP) in the Russian black terrier has been approved by The Kennel Club.

JLPP is a genetic disease that affects the nerves. In affected dogs, it starts with the nerve that supplies the muscles of the larynx leading to muscle weakness and laryngeal paralysis.

To find out which laboratories the Kennel Club is able to record results from, and which labs will send results direct to the Kennel Club, visit thekennelclub.org.uk.

Conservations are calling on nature lovers to help the nation's bees by creating pollinator-friendly gardens, schools and neighbourhoods, ahead of this year's Great British Bee Count (19 May - 30 June 2017).

Now in its fourth year, the Great British Bee Count encourages members of the public to download a free app to identify and find out more about Britain's 260+ bee species.

The bee sightings will be mapped on greatbritishbeecount.co.uk and shared on the National Biodiversity Network, where researchers, experts and local authorities can access the data.

A student studying for his PhD at the Pirbright Institute has been honoured for his research on egg anti-viral proteins which could lead to a major step forward in vaccine production rates.

Tom Whitehead was named Young Innovator of the Year at the Guildford Innovation Awards on Wednesday (22nd February).

Working with scientists at The Pirbright Institute, Tom identified the family of antiviral proteins which generate the embryo's anti-viral immune response. His research demonstrated that restricting the activity of these proteins enables the levels of virus to increase.

Brexit offers opportunities for animal health and welfare, as well as threats, said BVA president Gudrun Ravetz at the annual BVA London dinner. It could be an opportunity to tighten up the Pet Travel Scheme and improve the Welfare at Time of Killing Regulations for England, which she stated are "simply not fit for purpose".

Ms Ravetz also stressed the importance of recognising and retaining the vital roles vets play in animal health and welfare, and public health, in order to secure successful outcomes from Brexit. She gave a preview into the new 'I support team vet' campaign, which launches on 8 February and champions the value of vets, nurses and the wider veterinary team.

A cotton-top tamarin has been born at Taronga Zoo in Australia for the first time in 10 years. The youngster, which has not yet been sexed, was born on 10 December but is just starting to explore and sample solid foods on its own.

Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered in the wild, having lost more than three-quarters of their habitat to deforestation, and facing the threat of capture for the illegal pet trade. Image by Paul Fahy/Taronga Zoo

A vaccination containing a weakened form of the malaria parasite has proven safe and effective in a clinical trial.

Scientists from the Centre for Infectious Disease Research genetically engineered the malaria parasite by removing three genes.

The vaccine can infect humans but does not actually cause malaria. It works by stimulating the immune system to generate responses that prevent infection.