Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic on the well-being of working equines, Colombia 2021

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.973432426022

• Palavras-chave: bienestar, economía, pandemia, objetivos del desarrollo sostenible, seguridad alimentaria

• Keywords: well-being, economy, pandemic, sustainable development goals, food security

• Abstract:

  In countries with low development indicators, working equines play an important role in the socioeconomic sector, since they promote the food security of communities. For this reason, animal welfare is a fundamental component, seeking to improve its level, including aspects that guarantee the sustainability of the system. In the present investigation, the socioeconomic impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on owners who depend on working equids and on the well-being of said animals was described. 105 structured interviews were carried out, which included general aspects of their family, work, economic environment (before, during and after COVID-19) and variables related to the well-being of their equines. The field work included places in 6 departments of Colombia, with different uses of equids (tourism, agricultural production, livestock, construction and forestry). According to the results and the analysis of socioeconomic variables, people received less income during the pandemic, which could have a direct impact on their quality of life indicators. However, in places with a sugarcane and milk production vocation, results were observed that go against the previous statement. Weight loss in equids and foot conditions was the main finding that affected the well-being of these animals. Considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the 2030 agenda, it is essential to propose concrete actions to the union of owners of working equines, including strategies to promote their living conditions from the perspective of “One Health and One Well-being”.