The Impact of COVID-19 on the Working Equid Community: Responses from 1530 Individuals Accessing NGO Support in 14 Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Authors: Wild Isabella, Gedge Amy, Burridge Jessica, Burford John
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
Between November and December 2020, researchers surveyed 1530 individuals across 14 low- and middle-income countries who relied on working equids for their livelihoods, seeking to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic had disrupted their circumstances and to establish a replicable methodology for future crises. The cross-sectional study employed a 38-question survey administered face-to-face, by telephone, or online through NGO welfare projects, capturing responses from one of the world's most economically vulnerable populations. The findings were sobering: 57% reported their equids were working less, 76% experienced decreased monthly income from their animals, and 78% saw overall household income fall compared to pre-pandemic levels, yet crucially, 58% faced unchanged costs for equid upkeep and 68% reported their animals' health remained stable despite financial hardship. These disparities between stable animal-care expenses and collapsing human income present a critical concern for equine welfare professionals working in these regions, as owners facing severe financial pressure may struggle to maintain adequate nutrition, farriery, and veterinary care despite appearing to keep their animals healthy in the short term. The authors argue that addressing these interconnected human and animal welfare crises requires a One Welfare approach—coordinated action among governments, humanitarian organisations, and animal welfare bodies—rather than siloed responses, particularly given the likelihood of future unprecedented events affecting vulnerable equid-dependent communities.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Working equid owners in low- and middle-income countries face severe economic pressure during crises, potentially compromising their ability to maintain equid welfare—consider how supply chains and support networks can be strengthened before the next emergency
- •Despite reduced income, most owners maintained equid upkeep costs, suggesting strong commitment to animal welfare but at unsustainable personal cost—advocacy for emergency support systems is critical
- •The apparent stability in equid health at survey time masks underlying financial vulnerability; proactive monitoring and welfare intervention programs are essential to prevent longer-term deterioration
Key Findings
- •57% of respondents reported their equids were working less during the pandemic
- •76% reported decreased monthly income from equids and 78% reported reduced household income compared to pre-pandemic levels
- •58% of respondents reported no change in equid upkeep costs despite financial hardship
- •68% reported no change in equid health status at time of survey