Objectives A rapid and sensitive method for detecting bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technology was developed to provide reference for the diagnosis of bovine viral diarrhea. Methods Multiple sets of primers and probes were designed based on the conserved sequence of 5'-UTR gene of BVDV in GenBank, and a set of primers and probes with the best effect of amplification were screened. A method for detecting BVDV with LAMP was established by optimizing the reaction system and annealing temperature. The sensitivity and specificity of the method established were evaluated, and the method was used to detect clinical samples. Results The LAMP method established had high specificity, producing amplification signals only for BVDV and showing no cross-reaction with common bovine pathogens including foot-and-mouth disease and Salmonella. Its sensitivity of detection verified by gradient dilution of recombinant plasmids was 10² copies/µ L, 10 times higher than that of conventional PCR. The results of detecting clinical samples were completely consistent with that of PCR method, with a concordance rate of 100%. Conclusions The established method of detecting BVDV with LAMP has high sensitivity and strong specificity. It will provide technical support for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of bovine viral diarrhea.