The American Civil War was a milestone not only in military but in medical history too; dietary deficiencies and battle wounds set the ground for epidemic infections; and many deaths were the result of uncontrolled infectious diseases.
The war had a vast impact on the Texan cattle industry. Most of the warfare took place in the south, and this harmed the economy and cattle industry.
Herds were left un-managed throughout the war and became half-wild when the war ended.
Texan livestock propagated a disease known as "Texas fever" to cattle from other states.
Midwestern farmers noticed that it was related to longhorn cattle from South Texas ranchers. Farmers called the disease "Texas fever" or Texas cattle fever because of its connection with Texas cattle.
