The Kennel Club has approved a new DNA testing scheme for hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK) in Labrador retrievers. Announcing the news, Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko, said: "The Labrador is the most popular breed of dog in the UK, so ensuring that the resources are available for breeders to make informed breeding decisions is paramount.

"We are pleased to be announcing this new DNA test for the breed, which will assist in responsible breeding and enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of an issue which could affect their chosen breed, and ultimately protect and maintain the health of the breed."

A list of the laboratories the Kennel Club accepts results from can be found here: thekennelclub.org.uk

Key welfare problems being faced by Scottish equines will be discussed at an upcoming debate being held by the British Horse Society, Scottish government and World Horse Welfare.

Among the issues being debated are the risks posed by exotic diseases, the pressure being put on welfare charities as a result of indiscriminate breeding and the practical implications of the new equine ID regulations and central equine database. There will also be an update on problems with identity fraud in the trade of low value equines.

Anyone can attend the debate - tickets are 20 each for members of a charity or 50 for everybody else. Find out more at http://www.bhsscotland.org.uk/

Applications are now being accepted to become a member of the new RCVS Ethics Review Panel (ERP).

The panel has been set up to facilitate access to ethical review for those wishing to undertake practice-based research outside of a university or industry context.

More details about the roles, the function of the ERP and how to apply can be found at rcvs.org.uk/ethics.

Those who are interested in applying can also email ethics@rcvs.org.uk for an informal discussion. The closing date for applications is 15 April 2016.

Plans to overhaul the governance of the RCVS were approved by the council at its March meeting. The changes would see the council size reduced by nearly half in a bid to improve efficiency and accountability.

After two years of debate and consultation, the college plans to shrink the council to 24 members, whilst formalising lay and veterinary nurse membership.

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The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) have launched VN Futures, a companion project to Vet Futures, which aims to draw up a blueprint for the future of the veterinary nursing profession.

For more details log in to vetcommunity.com: vetcommunity.com/vs/vn-futures-project-launched/

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have welcomed the arrival of a critically endangered baby monkey.

The three-week-old Sulawesi crested macaque was born to 17-year-old Winoo after a gestation period of 174 days.

Yet to be named, the infant is expected to triple his weight before the end of 2016. He will be nursed by his mother for another six months, before moving on to a diet of leaves, fruit and insects. (Image: ZSL London Zoo)