The government has taken measures to prevent the spread of North Korea's bird flu into the South and assist Pyongyang with the outbreak.

As a first step, a telephone notice will be sent to the North via a liason officer at the truce village of Panmunjom, to request accurate information on the outbreak. The government will also ask for thorough measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The message will also mention Seoul's decision to provide Pyongyang with any necessary aid including medical technology, medicine and equipment, if the North so requests.

The government is considering increasing quarantine staff and installing thermal detectors at immigration offices for the cross-border Gyeongui and Donghae railways.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry will contact international agencies including the World Health Organization about developments in the epidemic in North Korea.

On Sunday, Pyongyang acknowledged for the first time its outbreak of bird flu.