Development and validation of a TaqMan-MGB real-time RT-PCR assay for simultaneous detection and characterization of infectious bursal disease virus

► A TaqMan-MGB real-time RT-PCR assay was developed to classify IBDV strains. ► The assay targets a SNP that differentiates vvIBDV from non-vvIBDV strains. ► The real-time RT-PCR assay was specific, sensitive, and reproducible. ► A large number of IBD clinical samples can be easily screened. ► The method is expected to improve IBDV surveillance worldwide.