The rRNA gene restriction patterns of strains ofStreptococcus uberisandStrep. parauberiswere determined. Chromosomal DNA was digested with endonucleases and probed with radiolabelled DNA complementary to rRNA synthesized by random oligonucleotide priming using reverse transcriptase. Reproducible restriction patterns were obtained which readily distinguishedStrep. uberisandStrep. parauberis. In addition, considerable variations in the patterns at the intra‐specific level were observed indicating that rRNA gene restriction profiles are of epidemiological, as well as taxonomic valu