The wild ponies of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands have grazed on the land of the barrier islands for centuries,but now the herd has been fighting a fungal disease some are referring to as swamp cancer. Over the final year, a number of horses have had to be euthanized, or but now the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company,which manages the herd, has brought in a team of veterinarians to fight the disease.
CNN says that with the colder weather, and the disease that is striking down the magnificent wild ponies seems under control,but many are fearing the hot and humid weather when the swamp cancer seems to flare up as the organism which causes it grows and spreads on dead and dying grass and plants.
Supporters of the herd are hoping for a vaccine which would prevent the disease and more effective treatments and ways of catching it early, which right now seems to be the key.
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Source: inquisitr.com