Albania and Greece work together

Albania and its southern neighbor Greece will join hands in tackling the spread of bird flu, said a report carried by local media on Thursday.

The two countries have set up a special mission formed by veterinary experts from both sides. The main task of the experts will be coordinating efforts to fend off possible outbreaks at the border area.

The Greek side, with medical advantages, will take charge of testing birds or people suspected of having the virus, whereas the Albanian experts will boost controls at border checkpoints.

Cooperation between the two countries is "a must" at a time when bird flu has become a common threat, said an expert with the mission.

H5N1 bird flu has been discovered in Greece, in area near its northern border with Albania, while Albania reported its first bird flu case on March 8 in a village 50 km from its border with Greece.

Albania on Wednesday confirmed a new H5N1 bird flu case near Tirana. There were also reports of dead poultry and wild birds in other areas in its territory.