That would have shown up in the lab analysis. Also there were animal bones with the same characteristics (lots of dogs). Not likely to be infected with the same dieases.
Agreed. Hypotheses need cross functional review before they can be considered for becoming a theory.
I mourn the loss and contempt for Scentific Theory in modern times. (Climate “Crisis”, Zero Carbon Vehicles, Lockdowns for public good, safe and effective, etc.)