The research was based on characterisation of a picorna-like virus isolated from the Varroa destructor mite. This mite is a parasite of the honey bee. The mite feeds on the bee haemolymph weakening the bee brood, Impair normal development and has been associated with viral infections within the colony. Infested bees and drones emerge with shortened abdomens, misshapen wings or other deformities. The aim of the research was to find a viral agent that could be used in the biological control of this mite. As a result of the search a new invertebrate picorna-like virus was isolated and characterized. The virus is most closely related with Deformed wing virus of honey bees. The virus was found to have the ability to replicate in the mite and the bee and it was concluded that it is not a suitable candidate for a biological control agent against the mite.