Abstract: Eel circovirus (EeCV) is one of the pathogens that cause virosis on eels.Based on the gene sequence of EeCV in GenBank,a pair of primers was selected for the development of the detection method using PCR.The optimized reaction conditions, as well as the specificity, sensitivity and repeatability of the methodology were determined to establish the preliminary testing protocol. Subsequently, 160 epidemic specimens with the suspected viral infection were collected from are as in Fujian for the determination. Out of all samples,65 were shown to be positive, at a rate of 40.6%. It appeared that the current PCR method could be employed to detect EeCV for early disease diagnosis on eels.

Key words: eel circovirus, PCR detection, detection methodology, application