Where the presence of African swine fever is confirmed in holdings which consist of two or more separate production units and in order that the fattening of pigs may be completed, the competent authority may decide to derogate from the provisions of Article 5(1)(a) as regards healthy pig production units on a holding which is infected provided that the official veterinarian confirms that the structure, size and distance apart of these production units and the operations carried out there are such that the production units provide completely separate facilities for housing, keeping and feeding, so that the virus cannot spread from one production unit to another.

If use is made of the derogation referred to in paragraph 1, Member States shall draw up detailed rules for applying it in the light of the animal health guarantees which can be secured.

Member States which make use of this derogation shall immediately notify the Commission thereof. The Commission shall in all cases immediately review the situation with the Member State concerned and in the Standing Veterinary Committee at the earliest possible opportunity. If necessary, measures to prevent the disease spreading shall be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 24(2).