CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP) - Authorities in Virginia say one of its wild Chincoteague ponies has died of a disease known as “swamp cancer” that’s affected several others.
News outlets cite a Tuesday release from the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company announcing Essie died after surgery, as her infection was “too far gone.” Spokesman Denise Bowden reported that other ponies who had the surgery seem to be doing well.
“Swamp cancer” isn’t cancer, but rather pythiosis, caused by an organism similar to fungus.
Two ponies died from it last year. Essie is the first pony to die of the disease this year.
The Chincoteague Pony Pedigree database says Essie was born in 2013 and bred by the fire company, which cares for the ponies.
Bowden did note some “good news” - the herd welcomed a foal.
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