CHINCOTEAGUE, Va.- A number of ponies diagnosed with Swamp Cancer are on the mend, according to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company.
Saltwater cowboys say all are in great spirits and have been getting great care. The ponies' diagnosis was revealed earlier this fall. Four ponies, named Martha Lou, Carollynn, Jubilation, and Hailey contracted the fungal disease officially called pythiosis. The fire company said that it had been several years since the disease was an issue, but due to a rainy summer, the disease returned.
The fungal-like infection has been deadly in the past, but Chincoteague firefighters say new vaccines, immunotherapy, and constant cleaning gives them a chance at full recovery.