The samples taken from animals in Samothrace were positive and thus it was certified that smallpox was detected in three herds. These herds, with about 850 animals, are located in the southwest of the island and are being killed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease to others.

It is worth noting that the last time smallpox was detected in Samothrace was in 1996. Today there are about 50,000 sheep and goats on the island, which are at risk of extinction if the disease spreads, as this is required by the relevant legislation on zoonoses.

A 3-kilometre protection zone has already been defined around the outbreaks, which includes the settlements of Chora, Alonia, Kamariotissa, Baxedes, Xiropotamos, Makrilies, and Potamia.