Where the annual surveys of the susceptible plants and the vector, as set out in point 6 of Annex I, show the presence of PWN in a demarcated area during a period of at least four consecutive years and the experience gathered shows that, in the situation concerned, it is impossible to eradicate PWN, the Member State concerned may instead decide to contain PWN within that area.

The Member State concerned may, however, before the end of that period, decide to contain PWN, instead of eradicating it, in cases where the diameter of the infested zone exceeds 20 km, there is evidence of the presence of PWN throughout the infested zone and the experience gathered shows that, in the situation concerned, it is impossible to eradicate PWN in that area.

Containment measures shall be taken, as set out in Annex II.

Where a Member State decides in accordance with paragraph 1 to apply containment measures instead of eradication measures, it shall inform the Commission of that decision setting out its reasons.

Where the second subparagraph of paragraph 1 applies, the Commission shall carry out investigations in that Member State to verify whether the conditions provided for in that subparagraph are fulfilled.

Demarcated areas subject to containment measures in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be marked as such in the list referred to in Article 5(7). Member States may only apply containment measures in demarcated areas that have been marked in that list as subject to containment of PWN.

Member States shall ensure that the measures referred to in paragraph 1 are carried out by technically qualified personnel of the responsible official bodies or by any other technically qualified persons acting under the supervision of the responsible official bodies.