A type of spongiform encephalopathy caused by a prion (infectious protein) that infects cows; so called because the animals were observed to become highly irritable and apprehensive before losing their ability to stand. The human form is new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (nvCJD) (pronounced Krewtz – f?ldt – Y? k?bs). nvCJD can be transferred to other patients from cornea or dura matter transplants, spinal fluid, several ports of the lymphatic system, instruments, an electrode, used on brain or eyes, etc. of CJD patients and other methods with less frequency. CJD is NOT destroyed by normal sterilization.