BANGKOK, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and Vietnam have reached an agreement to join their efforts to contain and control bird flu, the Thai News Agency reported.

    The Protocol on Prevention and Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) between Thailand and Vietnam was signed in Bangkok on Tuesday by Thailand's Department of Livestock Development deputy director-general Chaweewan Leowijuk and Vietnamese Livestock Department head Bui Quang Anh.

    The protocol was drafted as a result of the meeting of the joint working committee of the two neighboring countries on July 7,2006.

    Under the agreement, according to Chaweewan, Thailand and Vietnam will closely cooperate on bird flu control, including informing each other when bird flu outbreaks occur in their own territories, exchanging and sharing information, enhancing bird flu surveillance and diagnosis, as well as conducting joint researches.

    Chaweewan said the protocol will benefit Thailand as it can take quick precaution and prevention once it is notified of bird flu outbreaks in Vietnam.

    Besides, she said, Thailand can learn from Vietnam's experience regarding its poultry vaccination scheme.