That is a plausible explanation for the origin of CWD. I do however also think it is plausible that CWD could have always been here.
Before I am willing to jump all in on the lab leak origin I have a few questions.
Why does CWD not effect bighorns? If CWD originated in old world sheep, logically you would think bighorns would be hit the hardest as they are more closely related to old world sheep than deer. Could be a logical and scientific expiation, I just have not heard it.
Can old world sheep be infected with CWD. Logically if CWD can go from sheep to deer, it should go from deer to sheep. Maybe it does, I really don't know. I do know there is nothing about this in any of the agricultural publications. Maybe I missed it. If an elk or bison with brucellosis gets even close to a domestic cow, the sky is falling, CWD infected deer mingling with domestic sheep, crickets.
Lastly, and it is sad that this even has to be considered, but in light of recent developments involving infectious diseases it does. If it is proven that CWD is naturally occurring and not from the lab at CSU, CWD funding money dries up to a trickle over night. Lots of people have a lot riding on the lab leak being the source. I can just about guarantee some will lie to keep the money coming.
Again I don't know, but I am not all in on the lab leak or that CWD is natural.