Development of TaqMan real-time PCR assay for detection and quantitation of reticuloendotheliosis virus

► We developed a real-time PCR assay for reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) detection. ► This method showed high sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility. ► SPF chickens were experimentally infected with REV and detected by real-time PCR. ► High levels of proviral DNA were detected in chicken blood after REV infection. ► Early infected chickens had higher proviral loads than late infected chickens.