Spread by direct contact between rabbits (both wild and domesticated) and also via indirect contact. Possible sources of indirect contact are people, clothing, food, contaminated hutches and bedding, as well as insect vectors such as fleas. VHD is a quick and sudden killer; symptoms to look out for include; loss of appetite, depression, collapse, and difficulty in breathing, convulsions, high body temperature, lethargy and bleeding from the nose. Death usually occurs within 12-36 hours after the onset of fever and the mortality rate can be as high as 90-100%. However, rabbits can die showing no symptoms at all.