Infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) is a serious threat to salmonid fish, causing significant losses in aquaculture. Detecting the virus quickly and accurately is crucial for controlling its spread. Traditional methods like RT-qPCR are effective but require expensive equipment and skilled personnel. In recent years, the combination of reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) and CRISPR-Cas12a has emerged as a rapid, cost-effective alternative. This article explores how this novel approach is changing the landscape of IHNV detection.