[tyingq]

Since the article was (I believe) referring to classic CJD, I linked the CDC page because it includes this text:

"Classic CJD is not related to “mad cow” disease. Classic CJD also is distinct from “variant CJD“, another prion disease that is related to BSE."

[dnautics]

I don't know why the CDC is saying that, it's just flat out wrong unless the CDC has a really stupid definition of "related".

It's related. They both involve the same protein. If you get a bone marrow transplant from someone with CJD, you will get "vCJD". Presumably also if you eat the brains of someone with CJD. The differential between the two is age of onset.