A brain disorder in adult cattle that may be spread to humans through diseased meat.

Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging always required

Humans may acquire the disorder by eating diseased meat products. When it comes from cattle, the disorder is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). CJD ultimately leads to dementia and death. The condition is rare.

The disease is marked by rapid mental deterioration, usually within a few months. Most people eventually lapse into a coma.