Winter conditions in parts of the regions of the Community affected by bluetongue have resulted in a cessation of the vector’s activity and as a consequence of the circulation of the bluetongue virus.

Accordingly, it is appropriate to establish rules providing for exemptions from the exit ban for animals in the concerned parts of the restricted zones during periods where there is a proven absence of viral circulation or of vectors.

When since the cessation of the vector’s activity a period has elapsed which is longer than the seroconversion period, seronegative animals can be moved with an acceptable level of risk from the restricted zones as they cannot be or become infected. Animals which are seropositive but virologically negative (PCR negative) may also be moved as they are not and cannot become viremic.

Animals born after the cessation of the vector’s activity cannot be infected and as a consequence can be moved with no risk from the restricted zone in the absence of the vector’s activity.

As the traceability of the movements of those animals must be subject to strict controls, those movements should be limited to domestic movements to holdings registered by the competent authority of the holding of destination.

In addition, any such movements must cease when the vector’s activity re-starts in an epidemiological relevant area of the restricted zones concerned.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,