Development and evaluation of one-step rRT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods for detection of Rift Valley fever virus in biosafety level 2 diagnostic laboratories

► Potential of spread of Rift Valley fever virus to North America is a serious threat. ► Regional veterinary laboratories do not have the ability to diagnose RVF. ► Two BSL-2 assays were developed and evaluated using experimental samples. ► Immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR were evaluated in cattle and sheep.