Drosophila C virus (DCV) infection in model host Drosophila impacts miRNA abundance. Abundance of miR-956-3p is decreased in adult flies following DCV infection. DCV-induced morality is delayed in mutant flies lacking miR-956. miR-956-3p modulates levels of host Ectoderm-expressed 4 (ect4) mRNA. DCV-induced mortality is earlier in mutant flies with reduced Ect4 expression.