‘Swamp cancer’ afflicts 7 Chincoteague ponies

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – Chincoteague ponies are usually spotted grazing peacefully in their habitat like marsh. But, it may not always be a safe area for the wildlife.

Town officials say seven ponies have been afflicted by a deadly disease called Swamp Cancer. Now community members are doing all they can to save the animals.

“Certainly it’s a concern, and I would hope that there’s an attempt to treat the population,” said David Govoni, a park visitor.

According to experts, animals are typically afflicted by the disease when they are near plants that grow in water.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Govoni.

“All horses are liable to disease just like humans are, as long as there’s some attempt to treat them and not let it fester as a problem,” said Govoni.

According to the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company secretary, Denise Bowden, not only are town officials reaching out to local vets for help, but also to specialists from across the country. 47 ABC reached out to more than ten vets in the area, but none of them were familiar with the disease.

“If they could be helped out that would be awesome because I want to continue to see these horses,” said Keyele Gerson, a park visitor.

As of now, Bowden says the seven ponies have not responded to an antibiotic, and they are using another treatment that is only 80 percent successful.

Bowden said that initial treatment for the disease costs about 1,500 dollars for each pony.

To help out with the costs, local residents are sending donations to a campaign on social media with hopes to see the ponies healthy for the next generations.