Objective To screen strains of minipigs sensitive to highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (HP-PRRSV) for evaluation of HP-PRRS live vaccine. Methods Lantang pigs, Juema, Bama and Wuzhishan (white) minipigs were inoculated with virulent strain NVDC-JXA1 of PRRSV, and local binary hybrid pigs were used as control. The animals were continuously observed for 5 weeks on mental status, appetite, survival, etc. after inoculation of virus. The dead pigs were autopsied and the lung tissue samples were collected for detecting virus by RT-PCR. By the end of the experiment, serum of survival animals were collected for detecting PRRSV antibody by ELISA assay. Result The animals showed depression, anorexia, and other clinical signs and death in each group after inoculation. Meanwhile, the testing results were all positive in the RT-PCR and ELISA detection. Bama and Wuzhishan (white) minipigs were the most sensitive to virulent strain NVDC-JXA1 of PRRSV regarding mortality rate. Conclusions Bama and Wuzhishan (white) minipigs are sensitive to HP-PRRSV, and can be used for the inspection of HP-PRRS live vaccine.