Prion diseases can be transmitted through various means. In humans, the most common form, sporadic CJD, occurs with no known exposure to prions and represents the majority of cases. However, prion diseases can also be acquired through exposure to infectious prions, such as vCJD, which has been linked to consumption of prion-contaminated beef during the BSE epidemic. Iatrogenic transmission, through contaminated medical instruments or tissue transplants, is another route. In animals, transmission often occurs through contaminated feed or environmental exposure.
