Asian countries pool data to fight flu

China, Japan and the Republic of Korea have agreed to share information to help tackle the spread of bird flu, it has been reported.

The deadly H5N1 strain of avian influenza was first recorded by the World Health Organization in south-east Asia in 2003, from there it spread to Europe.

Nine Asian countries have reported outbreaks, including the China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, while the latter two have controlled these.

To further keep tabs on the spread of the disease, the three countries have formed an alliance, Xinhua reported.

Chinese health minister Chen Zhu inked an agreement to set up permanent agencies dedicated to handling flu with Japanese counterpart Masuzoe Yoichi and the Republic of Korea's Jae Hee.

He said: "As close neighbours, China, Japan and the ROK have active personnel and commercial exchanges, which increases the risk of flu infection."

"Close cooperation will help lower the damage of possible flu outbreaks to this region."

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