EN
RT-PCR was evaluated as a diagnostic tool for BVDY detection. First, five sets of primers were checked for their diagnostic ability to amplify the number of field isolates. Only primers within the 5'UTR region amplified all field isolates as well as all reference laboratory strains. Next, sensitivity of the test was evaluated. This was equal to 1 TCID₅₀ of the virus. lt was concluded that RT-PCR can be used as an alternative diagnostic test for inconclusive results of virus isolation in cell culture especially for the noncytopathic strains. However, high cost of equipment and reagents for the test precludes it as a routine diagnostic method except for research applications.