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.

A Blue Cross volunteer is hitting the streets of London this Christmas to help homeless people and their pets.

Vet Jade Statt wanted to help the pets on London's streets and the Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria provides her with pain medication, antibiotics and preventative treatment.

Jade was inspired by hairdresser Josh Coombes who began the #dosomethingfornothing campaign 18 months ago. Jade accompanies Josh around London, and while the homeless person gets a trim, she checks over their pet.

To find out more about the work of the Blue Cross or to make a donation, visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

The city of Ranchi, India, is a step closer to being rabies-free, thanks to the third annual mass vaccination drive by Mission Rabies.

Since the charity began working in the area in 2013, a total of 4769 dogs have been vaccinated against the deadly disease.

International director, Kate Shervell said: "In 2014, three of the forty-seven human rabies deaths in Jharkand state were in Ranchi and the team would regularly find rabid dogs.

"To date, there have been no human rabies cases since March 2015 and no canine rabies cases since December 2015. Mission Rabies is saving lives!"

Image (C) Mission Rabies

Dog owners are being encouraged to take a 'dog's eye view' photograph of their pet as part of National Canine Health Testing Week (21-27 November).

National Canine Health Testing Week is one of the Kennel Club's annual initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of breeding and buying puppies from appropriately health tested and health screened parents.

During the week, the Kennel Club would like people to take a picture of their dog from behind, with the ears, head or whole body in shot, to show the dog's view. Photos can be funny, serious, or poignant, and should be posted on social media using the hashtags #DogsEyeView and #NCHTW.