Recombinant UL16 antigen-based indirect ELISA for serodiagnosis of duck viral enteritis

► Preparation of the UL16 fusion protein was simple, inexpensive and safe. ► UL16-ELISA was rapid, specific, sensitive, and repetitive. ► UL16-ELISA assay showed high agreement with SNT. ► UL16-ELISA method will not pollute environment. ► The method can be used for epidemiological surveys of the DVE.