Agriculture Minister Floyd Green has called for animal health and welfare to be formally integrated into disaster risk reduction and management strategies.

The minister’s comments were delivered by chief technical director in the ministry of agriculture, Orville Palmer at the opening ceremony for the joint Caribbean Veterinary Medical Association and Pan Commonwealth Veterinary conference, in Trelawny.

He said recent disasters have exposed the vulnerability of the region’s livestock sector.

He said protecting the livestock sector safeguards public health. 

He noted the importance of embracing veterinary experience to food security.