ObjectiveTo establish a RT-PCR detection method for Sendai virus and to investigate the infection status in Cricetulus migratorius. MethodsTo design PCR primers according to the Sendai virus(gi:9627219)genome in NCBI and establish a RT-PCR detection method using the Sendai virus strain from our department. To screen the Sendai virus infection in sixty Cricetulus migratorius lung samples by the established RT-PCR procedure. ResultsThe RT-PCR method established was more sensitive and specific:there was a 197 bp single band when SV was used as template and no any band occurred when SV5, CDV, PVM, Reo3 and MuV were used as templates. Sequencing results revealed that the 197 bp nucleotides showed 98% coincidence with the SV sequence published by NCBI. The assay could detect as low as 96.8 ng/mL SV cDNA. Results showed that the infection rate of Sendai virus was 3.33%(2/60)in Cricetulus migratorius. ConclusionsThe established RT-PCR detection technique is sensitive, specific and rapid, and can be used to detect Sendai virus routinely in laboratory rodent animals. The positive results of Sendai virus infection show that Sendai virus infection in Cricetulus migratorius can not be ignored.