More than 1,700 sheep and goats are expected to be led to slaughter after a new case of smallpox was found on one of the largest farms in Magnesia.

In particular, the health and veterinary services have been put on alert again after the confirmation of a new case of smallpox in a livestock unit near the settlement of Soros, in the wider area of Dimini. This third case comes on top of previous cases detected in Kanalia and Keramidi, creating a climate of alarm and panic among livestock farmers in the area.

The new case became known when the breeder of the area, spotting suspicious symptoms in his herd, immediately alerted the veterinary services of the Regional Unit of Magnesia and Sporades. A team of the Veterinary Service rushed to the unit to take samples, and a few hours later the case was confirmed.

There are at least five other units close to this unit, which increases the risk of the disease spreading. The area has been put on alert, with farmers fearing the spread of smallpox in their herds and calling for immediate protective measures. Health authorities have already started procedures to check and isolate the affected animals, and checks are expected to be carried out on other herds in the area in the coming hours.