The invention is to provide a method and kit based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) for detection of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection. The method and kit are suitable for both laboratory and field application, and are specific and sensitive for detecting CAEV proviral DNA in goats in a fast manner. The method and lit of the invention are also applicable for on-site utilization at farms and should be useful in both eradication programs and epidemiological studies.