The two groups will combine efforts to genetically track threats ranging from mosquito borne pathogens to pandemic flu.
Senators said they're hopeful about vaccine development, but worry that trade agreements aren't keeping pace with scientific progress.
H5N6, known to circulate in poultry, is often severe or fatal after the rare jumps to humans.
Animal health groups had warned about the risk of spread to the the region's wildlife.
Since January 1, outbreaks have already led to the loss of 1.66 million poultry.
In November, Cameroon said it would receive 331,200 doses of the RTS,S vaccine, which is produced by GSK.
In the fall, France became the first country in Europe to launch poultry vaccination.
Since the outbreaks began, health officials have monitored more than 7,000 people exposed to infected birds or mammals.
As the virus evolves and spread patterns change, existing control tools might not be enough.
The H5N6 case, as well as 2 new H9N2 cases, were in Sichuan province.