A rapid and reliable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed for the detection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) in penaeid shrimp. The oligonucleotide primers amplify a 1681-bp fragment of IHHNV, which encompasses the coding sequence for one of the viral coat proteins. The PCR method detects IHHNV in hemolymph and homogenized tissue obtained from the cephalothorax or pleopods of infected shrimp. The technique was also successfully applied to tissue samples preserved in 70% ethanol. The correct size fragment was amplified using IHHNV obtained from six different geographic regions in three different species of penaeid shrimp. No DNA extraction method was necessary for this technique. The use of hemolymph or pleopods provides a nondestructive screening method by which to test juveniles and adult broodstock for the presence of IHHNV.