Avian leukosis（AL）is a major immunosuppressive disease in poultry caused by avian leukosis virus（ALV），which spreads vertically and causes serious economic losses to poultry industry in China. Currently，purification is the most effective method to control any spreading of ALV，which was supported by detection techniques. In this review，the techniques were discussed from the aspects of etiology，pathology，serology and molecular biology，the advances in the researches on different techniques were summarized，then their advantages and disadvantages as well as application conditions were analyzed. Various techniques for detecting ALV had been continuously optimized，improved and developed. In conclusion，the paper would helpful to fully understand all current relevant techniques，and provide a reference for comprehensive consideration，selection or optimal combination of different techniques in daily detection，as well as technical support for improving detection rate，shortening purification period and improving efficiency.