EN
A real-time RT-PCR method for the rapid detection of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) in the liver and serum samples of rabbits was described. A primer set that targets 3’ part of VP60 gene and TaqMan probe specific for the conserved region in RHDV genome was used in the method. The assay was able to detect genetic material in rabbits infected with classic RHDV as well as RHDVa variant. RNA of both haemagglutinating and non-heamagglutinating strains were also detected in samples with different virus strains. The detection limit of RHDV RNA by rRT-PCR was 10⁻⁷. The method can provide quantitative and qualitative information and is more sensitive and faster than the conventional RT-PCR. Therefore, it seems to be a valuable tool to complete the routine diagnostic procedure in RHD diagnosis.