Detection of avian group D rotavirus using the polymerase chain reaction for the VP6 gene

► The samples tested were derived from pools of fecal material obtained from broiler chickens. ► Specific primers to the gene VP6 of the group D rotaviruses were designed. ► Sequence analysis confirmed the RT-PCR results for group D rotaviruses. ► The method demonstrated good specificity and sensitivity. ► This assay suggests the potential advantage of RT-PCR for diagnostic purposes.