Resumen

Animal Welfare is a multidimensional concept that is related to the health of animals, the health and welfare of people and the sustainability of socioeconomic and ecological systems. The welfare of equids is an issue of global importance, approximately 600 million people benefit from them, in Colombia, the welfare of working equids is an issue that is little studied, therefore, it is necessary to identify and solve the problems that prevent these animals to have the established welfare parameters. Welfare makes the animals free of disease, but the AAS (Acute Abdominal Syndrome - colic) in working equids is one of the most common pathologies of the species and the most frequent problem, it is a disease associated with nutrition; it is treatable, but it can also be prevented. The general aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge and importance of AAS in working equids in four communities in Colombia. The results showed that the communities were concerned about the presence of AAS in their equids, the study population had basic knowledge that allowed them to identify the disease, regarding the treatment of colic what most concerned them was the lack of veterinary care in each geographical area. During the study, most familiar signs to the participants, the most common causes and the nutritional conditions of the horses were identified. While these communities were concerned about the presence of colic, preventing it is certainly the priority.